Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Boston is 189% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,093/mo ↑ 101%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 50%
$94,755/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 51%
$710,400 ↑ 489%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 83%
$2,176/mo ↑ 116%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 54%
663,972
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,054/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $12,648/year.

Median household income is $48,127/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Rochester — common questions

Is Boston or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Rochester?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $1,054/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Rochester?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $48,127/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New York?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Rochester details →

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