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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Houston is 44% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,313/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 21%
$62,894/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 26%
$253,400 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 52%
$1,316/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 23%
2,300,419
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $16,266/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Rochester — common questions

Is Houston or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Rochester?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Rochester?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,266/year higher in Houston.
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 Houston or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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More Comparisons

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