Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 9.2% cheaper than Baltimore, MD. This translates to saving $690 per month.

What salary do I need in Rochester, NY to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $141,725.392 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Rochester, NY?

Housing in Rochester, NY is 32.4% cheaper than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Rochester, NY?

Moving from Baltimore, MD to Rochester, NY could save you approximately $690 per month, or $8275 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Rochester, NY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $690/month moving to Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.7K in Rochester, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$690

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$198K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Rochester, NY

Category	Baltimore, MD	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,118/mo	$2,108/mo	↓ $1,011less	32.4%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $64.83less	4.7%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $60.40less	5.5%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$548/mo	↓ $40.91less	7.0%
Other	$1,707/mo	$1,738/mo	↑ $30.55more	1.8%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$631/mo	↑ $24.23more	4.0%

Housing

↓ 32.4%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$1,011

less

Transportation

↓ 4.7%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$64.83

less

Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$60.40

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.0%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$40.91

less

Other

↑ 1.8%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$30.55

All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$24.23

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Rochester, NY has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,157

↓ $113

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,309

↓ $141

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,633

↓ $137

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$1,968

↓ $312

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$1,122

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Rochester

$218K

Median Value

$198K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 9% less expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Rochester

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$190

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.