Breaking Down the Cost of Living in Rochester, NY: Is it Affordable?

Rochester, NY, often flies under the radar when it comes to East Coast cities, but for those in the know, it’s a treasure in one area — cost savings. 

One of the city’s most appealing features is its low cost of living compared to other New York cities. With a rich history of innovation and a thriving arts scene, Rochester sure delivers a lot of bang for your buck. 

The cost of living here is at par with the national average. But what does this mean for day-to-day expenses? Is it really that affordable? 

Well, here’s your ultimate guide to understanding the average cost of living in Rochester, NY. It will cover everything from housing to healthcare.

Expense Category	Compared to the National Average
Housing	2% lower
Utilities	12% lower
Groceries	2% lower
Transportation	7% higher
Healthcare	1% higher

Housing Costs

When it comes to housing, Rochester shines bright!

Compared to the astronomical figures out of New York City, the median home price here is a steal. Even though home valuations in Rochester have increased by 15.4% year-over-year, they are still fairly affordable.

Also, if you’re moving into a new home or renovating before you move in, consider arranging a dumpster rental in Rochester to handle removal of old fixtures, debris, or unwanted items, this can help reduce stress and avoid extra disposal costs.

Overall, it costs 2% less than the national average to buy a home here.

• Average House Rent: $1,459
• Median Home Value: $210,000

Suburban areas like Brighton and Pittsford offer more upscale housing options. On the other hand, neighborhoods like the South Wedge provide more affordable spaces that are perfect for young professionals.

Bedroom Type	Average Monthly Rent
Studio	$1,073
1 Bedroom	$1,356
2 Bedrooms	$1,668
3 Bedrooms	$1,685
4+ Bedrooms	$2,085

Utilities

Rochester’s utility costs are one of the most affordable expenses you will make in the city, especially when compared with what’s obtainable in the rest of the country.

…however, they are pretty standard for the Northeast!

• Energy bills here will set you back an average of $176.66 monthly.
• Phone bills will cost around $170.90 per month.

Do try to set aside between $60 and $80 every month for internet services. What you eventually pay will depend on the provider and speed.

Also, if you own a car, prepare to pay around $3.63 for a gallon of gas. But if you will use services like Rochester Moving Company or rely on public transportation to get around when moving here, you don’t need to worry about this.

Food and Groceries

If New York has one thing, it’s the variety it brings to the culinary department—Rochester is no exception! The city has a fantastic food scene without the sky-high prices you’d find in bigger cities. 

With a basic grocery bill for one person averaging about $300 to $400 per month, it’s clear the cost of living in Rochester, NY, is one for the books. 

Dining out is also pretty reasonable. A mid-range three-course meal for two costs around $60, and a higher-end meal costs around $125. 

Groceries	Cost
Bread	$5.01
Milk (1 gallon)	$4.61
Eggs (dozen)	$3.41
Cheese(1kg)	$10.97
Ground Beef	$16.72
Chicken Fillet (1kg)	$7.65
Bananas (1kg)	$0.71

Healthcare

Summary of Rochester’s healthcare? High-quality and relative affordability!

Top-rated facilities like the University of Rochester Medical Center ensure that residents can access excellent care for almost a paltry sum.

A standard doctor’s visit averages around $142 without insurance. Dental check-ups typically cost $117. What makes all this better is that you also have access to physicians after making this payment.

Healthcare Need	Healthcare Cost
Doctor’s Visit	$141.44
Dentist Visit	$116.31
Optometrist Visit	$129.55
Prescription Drug	$245.57
Veterinary Visit	$69.36

Education and Childcare

Rochester offers a wide array of options for families or anyone considering furthering their education.

Public schools here vary in quality, but suburban districts like Penfield and Pittsford are highly rated. The big draw with education in Rochester is that for an average of $29,200 per year, your child can successfully enroll in a good school.

If you have pre-schoolers, between $600 and $1,499 should be your monthly budget for childcare.

Transportation

You cannot discuss the cost of living in Rochester, NY, without considering transportation costs. Rochester is a car-friendly city, but it also has a reliable public transportation system.

Through the Regional Transit Service (RTS), you can navigate your way around the city. A one-way ticket will cost you no more than $2, while a monthly pass costs around $42-$56.

However, if you drive yourself, gas prices generally align with the national average, costing $3.63 per gallon.

Parking is also more affordable compared to larger cities. With downtown spots, you will pay an average of $75 – $100 per month for a spot to sit your car.

Goods and Services

Everyday services in Rochester won’t break the bank either.

Be it a gym membership or a standard haircut, prices are what you’d call average. A monthly gym membership costs an average of $51, while a standard haircut runs between $20–$40. 

Entertainment options like movie tickets and concerts are also reasonably priced compared to other cities in the state.

Goods and Services	Cost
Jean	$40.71
Movie Ticket	$13.25
A Dress	$33.30
Running Shoes	$84.47

Income and Job Opportunities

Rochester’s job market and economy is pretty much anchored by education, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Although many of the leading companies are still in the city, their operations are not on the same scale as they used to be. Employers like Xerox, Kodak, and Wegmans, still have a strong presence here.

But how do all these translate to your income?

The average annual salary in Rochester is around $75,000, but its median household income is lower than the national average. You will find that earnings here vary based on your job title and the neighborhood you are in. 

For instance, a software engineer earns an average of $82,652, an electrical engineer earns about $89,612, whereas a marketing manager has an average salary of $69,944. 

Note:

The wages balance well with the cost of living in Rochester, NY.

• Median Household Income: $44,156
• Unemployment Rate: 3.3%
• People Living in Poverty: 27.9%

Tax Obligations

While you may want to jubilate at Rochester’s relatively low living costs, it bears knowing that New York State has higher tax rates, and this applies to Rochester as well.

Tax season in Rochester brings serious thoughts. The property taxes are steep, and the sales tax stands at 8%. 

Depending on your income, your income tax rate will vary. If there is any good news in all these, it’s that you will gain significant savings on housing and other living costs to help offset your tax obligations.

• Sales Tax Rate: 8%
• Median Property Tax Rate: 2.95%
• Income Tax Rate: 4%-8.82%

Bottom Line: Is Rochester Affordable?

Well, the short answer is yes!

The cost of living in Rochester, NY, offers an enviable combination of affordable housing, reasonable everyday expenses, and a quality lifestyle. 

You can even avoid high bills for utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Moving to Rochester is a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy New York without the Big Apple’s price tag.

It doesn’t even matter if you are a student, a retiree, or have a family; Rochester’s cost of living makes it an attractive and financially feasible place to call home.