Rochester is located in New York and has an overall cost of living that is +2% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Rochester.

Housing: Median rent in Rochester is $1,653 / month, and the median home price is $550,685. Housing costs are +3% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.01), milk ($4.65), and eggs ($4.59) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -2% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($171.06), dentist visits ($137.41), and prescription drugs ($24.76). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

New York has a state income tax rate of 10.9%, which affects take-home pay for Rochester residents.

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Rochester, New York Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Rochester.

Rochester, New York has an overall cost of living that is +2% the national average. Housing costs are +3% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -2% vs average. Utilities are -11% vs average. This makes Rochester a city with costs close to national averages.

The median rent in Rochester, New York is $1,653 / month. Average energy bills run $195.92 / month. Phone bills average $174.78 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.

Healthcare costs in Rochester: doctor's visit averages $171.06, dentist visit averages $137.41, prescription drugs average $24.76. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -2% grocery cost difference.

Rochester is one of 162 cities tracked in New York. With an overall cost +2% vs the national average, it tends to be pricier than some smaller communities. Visit our New York state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.

Rochester offers cost of living +2% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $550,685, rent of $1,653 / month, and a state income tax of 10.9% in New York. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Rochester fits your budget.