Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Rochester is 60% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,039/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 73%
$46,628/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 143%
$120,600 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 398%
$1,009/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 93%
209,720
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $66,768/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Arvada — common questions

Is Rochester or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Arvada?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Arvada?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $66,768/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between New York and Colorado?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Arvada details →

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