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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Los Angeles is 207% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,879/mo ↑ 81%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 45%
$80,366/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 42%
$879,500 ↑ 629%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 86%
$2,055/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 51%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $840/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,080/year.

Median household income is $33,738/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Rochester — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Rochester?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $840/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Rochester?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $33,738/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Rochester

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