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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Rochester is 51% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,039/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 63%
$46,628/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 63%
$120,600 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 239%
$1,009/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 73%
209,720
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Rochester or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Lancaster?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Lancaster?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $29,455/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

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