Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Rochester, MN (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

New York is 78% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,779/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 26%
$79,713/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 10%
$751,700 ↑ 161%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 62%
$1,837/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 27%
8,516,202
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $8,054/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs Rochester — common questions

Is New York or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and Rochester?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or Rochester?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $8,054/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New York and Minnesota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to New York or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View New York details → View Rochester details →

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