What is the cost of living in Rochester?

The cost of living in Rochester is 53.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 47.0). Groceries are 28.4% cheaper than NYC. Restaurants are 24.1% cheaper than NYC. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs approximately USD 1,350 per month. Local purchasing power index is 151.5 (NYC = 100).

🇺🇸 NY, United States · #183 of 577 cities · 2026

Should I Move to Rochester?

Q: Should I move to Rochester?

Rochester, NY, United States has a cost of living 53.0% cheaper than New York City (index: 47.0). It is ranked #183 out of 577 cities globally. Local purchasing power is very strong (index: 151.5 vs NYC = 100). Use our salary comparison calculator to see exactly how your take-home pay would change.

53.0% cheaper than NYC, and purchasing power is very strong.

Run the calculator below with your actual salary to get a personalised answer.

-53.0%

vs NYC

USD 1,350

1-BR, city centre

151.5

Purchasing Power

Very strong

Purchasing Power

Cost index: Numbeo, blended with Expatistan and LivingCost where available (NYC = 100) · Data from October 2026

Personalised Answer

Compare your salary: move to Rochester?

Cost breakdown: Rochester

Cost indices vs NYC = 100

Cost of Living

47.0 Expensive

Rent

31.3 Very affordable

Groceries

71.6 Moderate

Restaurants

75.9 Above average

Purchasing Power

151.5 Very strong

Rent in Rochester

1-BR, city centre USD 1,350/mo

1-BR, outside centre USD 1,140/mo

3-BR, city centre USD 2,318/mo

3-BR, outside centre USD 2,015/mo

Save by going outside centre 16% cheaper

Numbeo · 2026-10-02

Considering alternatives?

Cities in the same country or region with a comparable cost of living.

🇺🇸 Buffalo

NY, United States

CoL index 50.8

Compare Buffalo vs Rochester →

🇺🇸 Albany

NY, United States

CoL index 54.8

Compare Albany vs Rochester →

🇺🇸 Syracuse

NY, United States

CoL index 57.8

Compare Syracuse vs Rochester →

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Enter your salary and current city. Get exact take-home pay in Rochester after tax, in seconds.

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