Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Rochester is 63% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,039/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 111%
$46,628/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 119%
$120,600 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 391%
$1,009/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 121%
209,720
Population
119,985

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,152/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $13,824/year.

Median household income is $55,693/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Rochester or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Fairfield?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $1,152/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Fairfield?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $55,693/year higher in Fairfield.
How do taxes compare between New York and California?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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