Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Rochester is 43% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $42,727 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. Oakland has a housing index of 264 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Oakland costs $780,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $625,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Oakland versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Oakland scores 109 while Rochester scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Oakland (113) are higher than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Oakland is $73,692 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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