Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Philadelphia, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 4.9% cheaper than Philadelphia, PA. This translates to saving $367 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Philadelphia, PA, you'd need approximately $145,601.695 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Philadelphia, PA and Rochester, NY?

Housing in Rochester, NY is 8.9% cheaper than in Philadelphia, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA.

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

Moving from Philadelphia, PA to Rochester, NY could save you approximately $367 per month, or $4398 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $367/month moving to Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.6K in Rochester, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$367

Savings

Annual Impact

$4.4K

Per year

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

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$241K

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(5% below avg)

Median Home:$198K

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

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: Philadelphia, PA vs Rochester, NY

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,313/mo	$2,108/mo	↓ $205less	8.9%
Transportation	$1,421/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $106less	7.4%
Groceries	$1,104/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $75.39less	6.8%
Healthcare	$607/mo	$548/mo	↓ $59.50less	9.8%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,738/mo	↓ $36.41less	2.1%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$631/mo	↑ $24.23more	4.0%

Housing

↓ 8.9%

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$205

less

Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$106

less

Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$75.39

less

Healthcare

↓ 9.8%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$59.50

less

Other

↓ 2.1%

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$36.41

less

All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$24.23

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

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$1,280

To$1,157

↓ $123

1 Bed

From$1,390

To$1,309

↓ $81.00

2 Bed

From$1,660

To$1,633

↓ $27.00

3 Bed

From$1,990

To$1,968

↓ $22.00

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/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.

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$458

Difference

Home Values

Philadelphia

Rochester

$241K

Median Value

$198K

↑ +2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +9%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$71K - $855K

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 18% less expensive than Philadelphia

Calculate payment - Philadelphia Calculate payment - Rochester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.9K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$412

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.3%

Rate difference

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.