Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Arlington is 56% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,389/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 25%
$73,519/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 37%
$276,400 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 56%
$1,420/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 29%
394,769
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $26,891/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over New York's 10.9% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Rochester — common questions

Is Arlington or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Rochester?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Rochester?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $26,891/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and New York?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Rochester details →

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