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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Richmond

California
161

Rochester is 62% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,039/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 82%
$46,628/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 93%
$120,600 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 439%
$1,009/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 100%
209,720
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $43,410/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Richmond — common questions

Is Rochester or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Richmond?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Richmond?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $43,410/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Richmond

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