Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Rochester and Peoria have a similar cost of living.

$1,039/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 8%
$46,628/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↑ 26%
$120,600 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$149,500 ↑ 24%
$1,009/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ≈ Same
209,720
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $88/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $1,056/year.

Median household income is $12,088/year higher in Peoria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Peoria — common questions

Is Rochester or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 61 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Peoria?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $88/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Peoria?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $12,088/year higher in Peoria.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

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