Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Rochester is 22% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $58,264 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
Amazon affiliate links