Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Rochester is 15% more affordable than Reno. A $75,000 salary in Reno is equivalent to $63,514 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nevada salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Reno has a housing index of 133 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Reno costs $450,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Reno versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Reno scores 102 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Reno (96) are lower than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Reno is $61,648 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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