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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Rochester is 20% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,039/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↑ 16%
$46,628/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↑ 38%
$120,600 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$193,600 ↑ 61%
$1,009/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↑ 13%
209,720
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $162/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,944/year.

Median household income is $17,642/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Rochester or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Pasadena?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $162/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Pasadena?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $17,642/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Pasadena

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