Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Rochester is 15% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $63,514 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. Gilbert has a housing index of 128 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Gilbert costs $470,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Gilbert versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Gilbert scores 100 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Gilbert (95) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Gilbert is $94,518 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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