Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Rochester is 9% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $68,447 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) match Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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