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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Glendale

California
214

Rochester is 71% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,039/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 102%
$46,628/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 81%
$120,600 ↓ 88%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 766%
$1,009/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 119%
209,720
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,056/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $12,672/year.

Median household income is $37,634/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Glendale — common questions

Is Rochester or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Glendale?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $1,056/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Glendale?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $37,634/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Glendale details →

More Comparisons

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