Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Athens, GA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Rochester is 27% cheaper than Athens.

$1,039/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 12%
$46,628/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↑ 11%
$120,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 125%
$1,009/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 15%
209,720
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $5,027/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Athens — common questions

Is Rochester or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Athens?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $123/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Athens?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $5,027/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between New York and Georgia?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

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