Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Rochester is 13% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $65,278 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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