Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Rochester is 76% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,039/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 141%
$46,628/yr ↓ 71%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 246%
$120,600 ↓ 90%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 898%
$1,009/mo ↓ 61%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 156%
209,720
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
0%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,466/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $17,592/year.

Median household income is $114,672/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Rochester or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Bellevue?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,466/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Bellevue?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $114,672/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between New York and Washington?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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