Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Rochester, NH?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 10.7% cheaper than Rochester, NH. This translates to saving $800 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Rochester, NH?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NH, you'd need approximately $140,402.461 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NH and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 24.2% cheaper than in Rochester, NH. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,213/month in Rochester, NH.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NH to Phoenix, AZ?

Moving from Rochester, NH to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $800 per month, or $9598 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NH vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rochester, NH — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Rochester, NH

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $800/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.4K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$800

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.6K

Per year

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

Rochester, NH

Population:34K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$379K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$414K

Rochester, NH

The Live Free or Die State

34K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in New Hampshire, this city has a population of 34K residents.

💡 Advantage: New Hampshire has no state income tax!

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rochester, NH vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Rochester, NH	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,681/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $893less	24.2%
📦Other	$1,415/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $263more	18.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,419/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $69.81more	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$630/mo	$561/mo	↓ $69.10less	11.0%
🏥Healthcare	$655/mo	$589/mo	↓ $66.05less	10.1%
🛒Groceries	$950/mo	$963/mo	↑ $13.04more	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.2%

Rochester, NH

$3,681

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$893

less

📦Other

↑ 18.6%

Rochester, NH

$1,415

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$263

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.9%

Rochester, NH

$1,419

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$69.81

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.0%

Rochester, NH

$630

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$69.10

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 10.1%

Rochester, NH

$655

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$66.05

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.4%

Rochester, NH

$950

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$13.04

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$883

To$1,390

↑ $507

1 Bed

From$929

To$1,510

↑ $581

2 Bed

From$1,213

To$1,750

↑ $537

3 Bed

From$1,489

To$2,330

↑ $841

Rochester, NHZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$1,410/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,750

Monthly in Rochester, NH

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$682

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Phoenix

$379K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.9%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +55.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$379K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 9% more expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $5.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$436

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.5%

Rate difference

Rochester, NH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Hampshire State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Rochester, NH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:1.9%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.