Skip to main content
LiveWhere us
Rochester, NY

Cost of living in Rochester, New York

Monroe County, NY

Part of the Rochester Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,388/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 754,068 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,149 34%
Federal tax $578 17%
Healthcare $480 14%
Groceries $404 12%
Transport $320 9%
Energy $208 6%
State tax $194 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Rochester

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,022
per month
1 bedroom
$1,149
per month
2 bedroom
$1,427
per month
3 bedroom
$1,720
per month
4 bedroom
$1,892
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Rochester

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$74,409
per year
Individual earnings
$45,375
per year
Per capita
$43,137
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Rochester

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$197,100
Annual property tax
$5,495

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Rochester

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$140
per month · 23.4¢/kWh
Natural gas
$68
per month
Annual total
$2,496
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Rochester

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
3.1%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Rochester

State and local tax rates for New York.

State income tax
10.9%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
4.0%
Combined sales tax
8.5%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Rochester

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
19.9 min
Drive alone
72.9%
Public transit
1.8%
Work from home
13.7%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Rochester

What it costs to live in Rochester each month.

Single person
$3,388
per month
  • Rent $1,149
  • Energy $208
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $404
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $578
  • State tax $194
Couple
$4,910
per month
  • Rent $1,427
  • Energy $250
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $669
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $888
  • State tax $327
Family
$7,408
per month
  • Rent $1,720
  • Energy $312
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $1,016
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $888
  • State tax $327

Frequently asked questions about Rochester

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Rochester?

In Rochester, New York, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,149 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,427 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,720 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Rochester?

In Rochester, New York, the average household income is $74,409 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $45,375 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Rochester?

The estimated cost of living in Rochester, New York is approximately $3,388 per month for a single person, $4,910 for a couple, $7,408 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Rochester?

The combined sales tax rate in Rochester, New York is 8.52%, which includes the New York state rate of 4.00% plus an average local rate of 4.52%.

Is Rochester an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Rochester, New York would need approximately $3,388 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $74,409 per year ($6,201 per month). Rochester has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Rochester?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Rochester, New York is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 3.1% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Rochester?

The average home value in Rochester, New York is $197,100, with average annual property taxes of $5,495, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Rochester compare to other areas?

You can compare Rochester, New York with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Rochester is in the Rochester, NY metro area.

Other counties in New York

Browse the full list of counties in New York, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in New York

Compare Rochester with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources