Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Fremont is 356% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,905/mo ↑ 180%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 64%
$176,350/yr ↑ 278%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 74%
$1,289,400 ↑ 969%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 91%
$3,000/mo ↑ 197%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 66%
228,518
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,866/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $22,392/year.

Median household income is $129,722/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fremont or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Rochester?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $1,866/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Rochester?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $129,722/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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