Albany, NY vs Rochester, NY: Cost of Living Comparison
Rochester has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Albany | Rochester | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 80 | 62 | Rochester |
| Housing | 64 ($825) | 35 ($727) | Rochester |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 80 ($328) | 62 ($254) | Rochester |
| Utilities | 82 ($115) | 68 ($63) | Rochester |
| Healthcare | 82 ($83) | 68 ($46) | Rochester |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,670) | 123 ($59,670) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany, NY or Rochester, NY cheaper to live in?
Rochester, NY is cheaper overall by about 18 index points (Albany, NY: 80, Rochester, NY: 62; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Albany, NY vs Rochester, NY?
A single adult needs roughly $28,000/year in Albany, NY and $21,700/year in Rochester, NY to cover basic living costs.