Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Rochester is 11% more affordable than Philadelphia. A $75,000 salary in Philadelphia is equivalent to $66,509 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $85,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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