Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Rochester is 6% more affordable than Phoenix. A $75,000 salary in Phoenix is equivalent to $70,500 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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