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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Dallas is 59% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,403/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 26%
$67,760/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 31%
$295,300 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 59%
$1,409/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 28%
1,299,553
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $21,132/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Rochester — common questions

Is Dallas or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Rochester?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Rochester?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $21,132/year higher in Dallas.
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 Dallas or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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 Dallas details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Dallas and Rochester

Dallas vs. San Diego Dallas vs. San Jose Dallas vs. San Antonio Dallas vs. Austin Dallas vs. Philadelphia Dallas vs. Jacksonville Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral