Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Reno is 100% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,453/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 28%
$78,448/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 41%
$498,600 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 76%
$1,482/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 32%
268,959
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.53%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $31,820/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Rochester — common questions

Is Reno or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Rochester?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Rochester?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $31,820/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and New York?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Rochester details →

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