Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Raleigh is 80% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,468/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 29%
$82,424/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 43%
$377,800 ↑ 213%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 68%
$1,487/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 32%
470,763
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $35,796/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Rochester — common questions

Is Raleigh or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Rochester?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Rochester?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $35,796/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New York?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Rochester details →

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