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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Rochester is 52% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,039/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 76%
$46,628/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 106%
$120,600 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 236%
$1,009/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 78%
209,720
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $786/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,432/year.

Median household income is $49,629/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Richardson — common questions

Is Rochester or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Richardson?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $786/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Richardson?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $49,629/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Richardson

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater