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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Fresno is 66% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,324/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 22%
$66,804/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 30%
$348,500 ↑ 189%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 65%
$1,391/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 27%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $20,176/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fresno or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Rochester?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Rochester?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $20,176/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Rochester details →

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