Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Houston and Rochester have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Rochester scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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