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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Amarillo

Texas
69

Rochester is 12% cheaper than Amarillo.

$1,039/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,049/mo ≈ Same
$46,628/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$62,469/yr ↑ 34%
$120,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$186,800 ↑ 55%
$1,009/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,074/mo ↑ 6%
209,720
Population
200,945

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Amarillo, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 69 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,841/year higher in Amarillo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $186,800 in Amarillo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Amarillo — common questions

Is Rochester or Amarillo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 69 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Amarillo?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Amarillo it's $1,049/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Amarillo?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $62,469 in Amarillo. Median household income is $15,841/year higher in Amarillo.
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 Amarillo?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with rent of $1,049/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Amarillo details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Amarillo

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor