Santa Ana, CA vs Rochester, NY: 163 vs 61

$1,975/mo ↑ 90%

Median Rent

$1,039/mo ↓ 47%

$88,354/yr ↑ 89%

Median Income

$46,628/yr ↓ 47%

$657,800 ↑ 445%

Home Value

$120,600 ↓ 82%

$1,965/mo ↑ 95%

Owner Costs

$1,009/mo ↓ 49%

311,639

Population

209,720

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $936/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $11,232/year.

Median household income is $41,726/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Rochester — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Rochester cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Rochester?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $936/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Rochester?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $41,726/year higher in Santa Ana.

How do taxes compare between California and New York?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.

Should I move to Santa Ana or Rochester?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Santa Ana

Rochester

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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