Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Rochester is 18% more affordable than Eugene. A $75,000 salary in Eugene is equivalent to $61,304 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Eugene has a housing index of 130 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Eugene costs $380,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Eugene versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Eugene scores 103 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Eugene (106) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Eugene is $49,448 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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