Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Rochester is 14% cheaper than Abilene.

$1,039/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↑ 6%
$46,628/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↑ 35%
$120,600 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$178,900 ↑ 48%
$1,009/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↑ 10%
209,720
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $16,092/year higher in Abilene. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Abilene — common questions

Is Rochester or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 71 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Abilene?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Abilene?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $16,092/year higher in Abilene.
How do taxes compare between New York and Texas?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Abilene

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland