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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Austin is 120% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,655/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 37%
$91,461/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 49%
$512,700 ↑ 325%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 76%
$1,747/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 42%
967,862
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $616/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,392/year.

Median household income is $44,833/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Rochester — common questions

Is Austin or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Rochester?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $616/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Rochester?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $44,833/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Rochester details →

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