Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 7.2% more expensive than Rochester, NY. This translates to spending an extra $541 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $156,494.34 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 32.3% more expensive than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

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

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $541 more per month than Rochester, NY, or $6494 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rochester, NY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Pittsburgh, PA area

Current salary in Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $541/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.5K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 7.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$541

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.5K

Per year

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$198K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$414K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K residents.

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, NY vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Rochester, NY	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,108/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $681more	32.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $174more	13.2%
⚡All Utilities	$631/mo	$561/mo	↓ $69.59less	11.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$963/mo	↓ $65.51less	6.4%
📦Other	$1,738/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $60.68less	3.5%
🏥Healthcare	$548/mo	$589/mo	↑ $40.91more	7.5%

🏠Housing

↑ 32.3%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$681

🚗Transportation

↑ 13.2%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$174

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.0%

Rochester, NY

$631

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$69.59

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$65.51

less

📦Other

↓ 3.5%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$60.68

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 7.5%

Rochester, NY

$548

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$40.91

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,157

To$1,390

↑ $233

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,510

↑ $201

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,750

↑ $117

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$2,330

↑ $362

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$1,880/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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$700

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Phoenix

$198K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 109% 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

↑ $4.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$359

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.9%

Rate difference

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

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, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.