Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Rochester is 8% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to $69,118 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than Rochester (100).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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