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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Ontario

California
152

Rochester is 60% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,039/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 84%
$46,628/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 78%
$120,600 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 371%
$1,009/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 95%
209,720
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $877/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,524/year.

Median household income is $36,178/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Ontario — common questions

Is Rochester or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Ontario?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $877/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Ontario?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $36,178/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Ontario

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa