Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Richmond is 61% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,314/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 21%
$62,671/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 26%
$328,100 ↑ 172%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 63%
$1,374/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 27%
227,595
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $16,043/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Rochester — common questions

Is Richmond or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Rochester?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Rochester?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,043/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New York?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Rochester details →

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