Is Rochester, NY cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, Rochester, NY is 36.7% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $2751 per month.

What salary do I need in Rochester, NY to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $116,992.707 in Rochester, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and Rochester, NY?

Housing in Rochester, NY is 66.1% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,633/month in Rochester, NY compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to Rochester, NY?

Moving from Washington, DC to Rochester, NY could save you approximately $2751 per month, or $33007 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Rochester, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $117.0K in Rochester, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,751

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.0K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$556K

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:

(37% below avg)

Median Home:$198K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs Rochester, NY

Category	Washington, DC	Rochester, NY	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,211/mo	$2,108/mo	↓ $4,103less	66.1%
Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,315/mo	↓ $570less	30.3%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$631/mo	↑ $123more	24.1%
Other	$1,825/mo	$1,738/mo	↓ $86.63less	4.7%
Healthcare	$632/mo	$548/mo	↓ $84.28less	13.3%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,029/mo	↓ $50.41less	4.7%

Housing

↓ 66.1%

Washington, DC

$6,211

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Difference

$4,103

less

Transportation

↓ 30.3%

Washington, DC

$1,885

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Difference

$570

less

All Utilities

↑ 24.1%

Washington, DC

$508

Rochester, NY

$631

Difference

$123

Other

↓ 4.7%

Washington, DC

$1,825

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Difference

$86.63

less

Healthcare

↓ 13.3%

Washington, DC

$632

Rochester, NY

$548

Difference

$84.28

less

Groceries

↓ 4.7%

Washington, DC

$1,079

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Difference

$50.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,150

To$1,157

↓ $993

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$1,309

↓ $906

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,633

↓ $837

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$1,968

↓ $1,147

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$4,772

Difference

Home Values

Washington

Rochester

$556K

Median Value

$198K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↑ +2.3%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.8%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$90K - $334K

Homes in Rochester are 64% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - Rochester

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$134

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.