Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Rochester is 12% more affordable than Austin. A $75,000 salary in Austin is equivalent to $65,888 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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