Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Columbus is 36% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,224/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 15%
$65,327/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 29%
$234,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 49%
$1,243/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 19%
906,480
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $18,699/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Columbus slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Rochester — common questions

Is Columbus or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Rochester?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Rochester?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $18,699/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and New York?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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 Columbus details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Columbus and Rochester

Columbus vs. Fort Worth Columbus vs. Charlotte Columbus vs. Jacksonville Columbus vs. Indianapolis Columbus vs. Austin Columbus vs. San Francisco Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral