Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Rochester is 52% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,039/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 85%
$46,628/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 100%
$120,600 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 228%
$1,009/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 57%
209,720
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $878/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,536/year.

Median household income is $46,743/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Surprise — common questions

Is Rochester or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Surprise?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $878/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Surprise?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $46,743/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between New York and Arizona?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Surprise

Rochester vs. Frisco Rochester vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Moreno Valley Rochester vs. Yonkers Rochester vs. Fontana Rochester vs. Cape Coral Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite