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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Rochester is 65% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,039/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 95%
$46,628/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 144%
$120,600 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 478%
$1,009/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 115%
209,720
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $992/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $11,904/year.

Median household income is $67,010/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Rochester or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Alexandria?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $992/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Alexandria?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $67,010/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between New York and Virginia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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