Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
60% cheaper
Rochester is 60% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $30,000 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $995,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manhattan scores 115 while Rochester scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are higher than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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