Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Rochester is 43% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $42,470 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. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $695,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Rochester scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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