Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Seattle is 221% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,998/mo ↑ 92%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 48%
$121,984/yr ↑ 162%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 62%
$912,100 ↑ 656%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 87%
$2,220/mo ↑ 120%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 55%
741,440
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $959/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $11,508/year.

Median household income is $75,356/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Rochester — common questions

Is Seattle or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Rochester?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $959/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Rochester?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $75,356/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New York?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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.
View Seattle details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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