Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Gilbert is 143% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,028/mo ↑ 95%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 49%
$121,351/yr ↑ 160%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 62%
$518,600 ↑ 330%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 77%
$1,908/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 47%
271,118
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $989/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $11,868/year.

Median household income is $74,723/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Rochester — common questions

Is Gilbert or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Rochester?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $989/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Rochester?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $74,723/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New York?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Rochester

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