Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Springfield, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 12.1% cheaper than Springfield, MA. This translates to saving $909 per month.

What salary do I need in Rochester, NY to live like I do in Springfield, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Springfield, MA, you'd need approximately $139,091.927 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Springfield, MA and Rochester, NY?

Housing in Rochester, NY is 39.6% cheaper than in Springfield, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $1,150/month in Springfield, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Springfield, MA to Rochester, NY?

Moving from Springfield, MA to Rochester, NY could save you approximately $909 per month, or $10908 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Springfield, MA 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 Springfield, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $909/month moving to Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.1K in Rochester, NY

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$909

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.9K

Per year

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

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$294K

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(12% below avg)

Median Home:$198K

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K 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: Springfield, MA vs Rochester, NY

Category	Springfield, MA	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,490/mo	$2,108/mo	↓ $1,382less	39.6%
Other	$1,341/mo	$1,738/mo	↑ $397more	29.6%
Groceries	$925/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $104more	11.2%
Healthcare	$637/mo	$548/mo	↓ $89.77less	14.1%
Transportation	$1,346/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $30.72less	2.3%
All Utilities	$614/mo	$631/mo	↑ $17.04more	2.8%

Housing

↓ 39.6%

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$1,382

less

Other

↑ 29.6%

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$397

Groceries

↑ 11.2%

Springfield, MA

$925

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$104

Healthcare

↓ 14.1%

Springfield, MA

$637

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$89.77

less

Transportation

↓ 2.3%

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$30.72

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.8%

Springfield, MA

$614

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$17.04

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$809

To$1,157

↑ $348

1 Bed

From$915

To$1,309

↑ $394

2 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,633

↑ $483

3 Bed

From$1,409

To$1,968

↑ $559

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/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.

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$985

Difference

Home Values

Springfield

Rochester

$294K

Median Value

$198K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↑ +45.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$137K - $323K

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 33% less expensive than Springfield

Calculate payment - Springfield Calculate payment - Rochester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$170

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Springfield, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Springfield, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.