Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Rochester is 14% more affordable than Plano. A $75,000 salary in Plano is equivalent to $64,679 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Plano has a housing index of 123 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Plano costs $400,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $245,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Plano versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Plano scores 98 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Plano (100) match Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Plano is $96,348 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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