Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Rochester is 57% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,039/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 68%
$46,628/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 84%
$120,600 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 355%
$1,009/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 71%
209,720
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $707/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,484/year.

Median household income is $39,161/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Rochester or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Lakewood?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $707/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Lakewood?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $39,161/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between New York and Colorado?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Lakewood

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield