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

Rochester

New York
61
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Rochester is 56% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,039/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 72%
$46,628/yr ↓ 67%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 203%
$120,600 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 298%
$1,009/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 99%
209,720
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $753/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,036/year.

Median household income is $94,725/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Rochester or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $753/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $94,725/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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