Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Rochester is 6% more affordable than Orlando. A $75,000 salary in Orlando is equivalent to $70,500 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Orlando has a housing index of 104 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Orlando costs $320,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,650 in Orlando versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Orlando scores 103 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Orlando (96) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Orlando is $48,080 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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