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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Rochester is 38% cheaper than Midland.

$1,039/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 35%
$46,628/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 96%
$120,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 148%
$1,009/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↑ 45%
209,720
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $368/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,416/year.

Median household income is $44,541/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Midland — common questions

Is Rochester or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Midland?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $368/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Midland?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $44,541/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Midland

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Midland vs. Kent Midland vs. Coral Springs Midland vs. Stamford Midland vs. Sterling Heights Midland vs. Elizabeth Midland vs. New Haven