Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 42.7% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $3203 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $111,564.83 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Rochester, NY?

Housing in Rochester, NY is 72.4% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

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

Moving from Newark, NJ to Rochester, NY could save you approximately $3203 per month, or $38435 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ 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 Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.6K in Rochester, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,203

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.4K

Per year

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

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$484K

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(43% below avg)

Median Home:$198K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K 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: Newark, NJ vs Rochester, NY

Category	Newark, NJ	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,108/mo	↓ $5,540less	72.4%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,738/mo	↓ $296less	14.5%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $287less	17.9%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$548/mo	↓ $140less	20.4%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $136less	11.7%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$631/mo	↑ $30.79more	5.1%

Housing

↓ 72.4%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$5,540

less

Other

↓ 14.5%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$296

less

Transportation

↓ 17.9%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$287

less

Healthcare

↓ 20.4%

Newark, NJ

$688

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$140

less

Groceries

↓ 11.7%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$136

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.1%

Newark, NJ

$600

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$30.79

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$1,400

To$1,157

↓ $243

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$1,309

↓ $291

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,633

↓ $297

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$1,968

↓ $462

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$6,369

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Rochester

$484K

Median Value

$198K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 59% less expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Rochester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$176

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

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

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

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.