Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Pittsburgh, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 8.2% more expensive than Pittsburgh, PA. This translates to spending an extra $611 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Pittsburgh, PA, you'd need approximately $157,335.86 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Rochester, NY is 8.2% more expensive than in Pittsburgh, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA.

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

Living in Rochester, NY costs approximately $611 more per month than Pittsburgh, PA, or $7336 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Pittsburgh, PA 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 Pittsburgh, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $611/month more in Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.3K in Rochester, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Pittsburgh, PA area

Overall Cost

↑ 8.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$611

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.3K

Per year

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

108

(8% above avg)

Median Home:$198K

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K 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: Pittsburgh, PA vs Rochester, NY

Category	Pittsburgh, PA	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,949/mo	$2,108/mo	↑ $159more	8.2%
Other	$1,607/mo	$1,738/mo	↑ $131more	8.2%
Transportation	$1,216/mo	$1,315/mo	↑ $99.09more	8.2%
Groceries	$989/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $39.53more	4.0%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$631/mo	↑ $24.23more	4.0%
Healthcare	$527/mo	$548/mo	↑ $21.04more	4.0%

Housing

↑ 8.2%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$159

Other

↑ 8.2%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$131

Transportation

↑ 8.2%

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$99.09

Groceries

↑ 4.0%

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$39.53

All Utilities

↑ 4.0%

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$24.23

Healthcare

↑ 4.0%

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$21.04

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

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$750

To$1,157

↑ $407

1 Bed

From$850

To$1,309

↑ $459

2 Bed

From$1,050

To$1,633

↑ $583

3 Bed

From$1,400

To$1,968

↑ $568

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.

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$474

Difference

Home Values

Pittsburgh

Rochester

Median Value

$198K

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

Price Range

$90K - $334K

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

Pittsburgh, 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

Pittsburgh, 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.

Environment

Pittsburgh

Rochester

52 Moderate

Air Quality

52 Moderate

47.8%

Good Air Days

47.8%

98 High

Climate Risk

98 High

🌊🌪💨

Top Hazards

🌊🌪💨

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.0°F

12 days

Heat Days >95°F

12 days

▲+3.0°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.0°F

12 days

Heat Days >95°F

12 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Pennsylvania and New York on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

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Similar cost to Rochester, NY

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New Comparison

You'd spend $611/month more in Rochester, NY

Pittsburgh, PA

Rochester, NY

Pittsburgh, PA

Rochester, NY

Cost Breakdown by Category

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

🏠Rent Comparison

📍 Rent by ZIP Code19 ZIPs

Home Values

🏠 Home Values by ZIP17 ZIPs

Tax Comparison

Pittsburgh, PA

Rochester, NY

Additional Tax Information

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Environment

Where your money goes further

Similar cost to Rochester, NY