Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Rochester is 27% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $55,078 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Riverside has a housing index of 155 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Riverside costs $500,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $345,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Riverside versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Riverside scores 103 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Riverside (102) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Riverside is $67,068 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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