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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Rochester is 33% cheaper than College Station.

$1,039/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↑ 12%
$46,628/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↑ 11%
$120,600 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 171%
$1,009/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↑ 24%
209,720
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $5,148/year higher in College Station. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs College Station — common questions

Is Rochester or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and College Station?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or College Station?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $5,148/year higher in College Station.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and College Station

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette