Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Rochester is 12% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno 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: California salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $175,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) match Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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