Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Buffalo, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 2.1% more expensive than Buffalo, NY. This translates to spending an extra $161 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo, NY, you'd need approximately $151,929.989 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY?

Housing in Rochester, NY is 10.3% more expensive than in Buffalo, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY.

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

Living in Rochester, NY costs approximately $161 more per month than Buffalo, NY, or $1930 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo, NY vs Rochester, NY: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Buffalo, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $161/month more in Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.9K in Rochester, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$161

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$188K

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$198K

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 275K 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: Buffalo, NY vs Rochester, NY

Category	Buffalo, NY	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,570/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $255less	16.2%
Housing	$1,911/mo	$2,108/mo	↑ $197more	10.3%
All Utilities	$498/mo	$631/mo	↑ $133more	26.7%
Other	$1,789/mo	$1,738/mo	↓ $51.05less	2.9%
Healthcare	$565/mo	$548/mo	↓ $16.88less	3.0%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $10.28less	1.0%

Transportation

↓ 16.2%

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$255

less

Housing

↑ 10.3%

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$197

All Utilities

↑ 26.7%

Buffalo, NY

$498

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$133

Other

↓ 2.9%

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$51.05

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.0%

Buffalo, NY

$565

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$16.88

less

Groceries

↓ 1.0%

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$10.28

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,212

To$1,157

↓ $55.00

1 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,309

↑ $56.00

2 Bed

From$1,477

To$1,633

↑ $156

3 Bed

From$1,804

To$1,968

↑ $164

Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/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.

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$3.71

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo

Rochester

$188K

Median Value

$198K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$108K - $558K

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 5% more expensive than Buffalo

Calculate payment - Buffalo Calculate payment - Rochester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Buffalo, 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

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

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.