The average cost of living in Rochester, NY, is $1,709.97 per month.
Rochester, NY, presents an entirely different life from what New York City is known for. Residents strongly differentiate Rochester from New York City by calling their city “Western New York.” The city is regarded as the birthplace of amateur photography.
The Kodak corporation is still headquartered in Rochester, where its founder grew up. There’s so much to be said about this city. However, this article will focus on the cost of living in Rochester, NY. If you plan to move to Rochester, New York, this is for you.
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including RTS and City of Rochester. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in Rochester, NY – 2024
Housing costs in Rochester, NY
Many people are fond of using the standard of living in New York City to judge the rest of New York. For this reason, many assume that living in New York must cost a lot. This is far from true.
In fact, Forbes recently ranked Rochester, NY as the 6th most affordable city to buy a home with a median home listing price of $274,338. See more housing costs below.
Cost of rent in Rochester, NY
|
Area/Neighborhood |
1-bed apartment |
3-bed apartment |
|
Rochester, NY (Outside of Center) |
$1,094.38 |
$1,880.00 |
Cost of buying a property in Rochester, NY
|
Area/Neighborhood |
Average home price |
|
Rochester, NY |
$274,338 |
Utility costs in Rochester, NY: Internet, electricity and water
The deregulation of energy in New York started in 1999. New York Independent System Operator, NYISO, handles New York’s power grid and the competitive marketplace, providing residents with affordable electricity supply and the privilege of choosing who supplies their energy. On average, residents in Rochester, NY, consume 939 kWh / month.
|
Utilities |
Cost |
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
$130.55 |
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$65.21 |
|
Total |
$195.76 |
EnergySage (Sept 2023) & Numbeo (Sept 2023)
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Grocery costs in Rochester, NY
Grocery costs in Rochester, NY, like every other essential cost, are very affordable compared to NYC. There are many grocery store options in Rochester, including family-run stores, big chains, and organic stores. Typically, a single person in Rochester, NY may spend around $248 monthly on groceries, covering items like fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.
|
Grocery items in Rochester, NY |
Cost |
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
$ 3.75 |
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
$ 3.12 |
|
Rice (white) (1 lb) |
$ 4.77 |
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
$ 3.81 |
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
$ 4.54 |
|
Chicken Filets (1 lb) |
$ 4.50 |
|
Beef Round (1 lb) |
$ 6.57 |
|
Apples (1 lb) |
$ 3.32 |
|
Banana (1 lb) |
$ 0.75 |
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
$ 2.11 |
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
$ 2.43 |
|
Potato (1 lb) |
$ 1.60 |
|
Onion (1 lb) |
$ 1.06 |
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
$ 1.98 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
$ 11.00 |
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
$ 2.09 |
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
$ 4.60 |
Public transit in Rochester, NY
The public bus system in Rochester is operated by Rochester Public Transit (RTS). The RTS has bus stops all over the city marked with blue and green signs.
On the dashboard of each bus, a sign indicating the bus route is visible through the front windshield so you can easily find the bus heading in your direction. Here’s an overview of what it costs to ride the bus in Rochester.
|
Type of fare |
Rate |
|
Single ticket (curb to hub) |
$1.00 |
|
Single ticket (curb to curb) |
$3.00 |
|
Daily pass |
$3.00 |
|
Value Pass (10 rides) |
$20.00 |
Entertainment costs in Rochester, NY
The city of Rochester serves as the cultural hub of Upstate New York. It boasts a diverse array of cultural events and institutions, ensuring that you’ll always discover something engaging to do while exploring the dynamic, lively, and inspiring arts and entertainment scene.
This encompasses everything from public art on city streets to music, dance, and theater performances. Entertainment expenses in Rochester, NY, can vary depending on the activity. Here’s a table outlining what you can expect in terms of costs.
|
Entertainment in NYC |
Cost |
|
Mid-range restaurant meal |
$57.50 |
|
Taxi 1h |
$22.50 |
|
1 cinema ticket |
$13.00 |
|
Total |
$93.00 |
Sales tax in Rochester, NY
Taxes in Rochester, NY, are well regulated by the city’s department of finance. In the City of Rochester, the property tax is a bit more complex than regular taxes.
Properties are assessed at Full Market Value resulting in an Equalization Rate of 100%. On the other hand, the sales tax rate is more straightforward. Rochester’s 8% sales tax is derived from 4% from New York state and 4% from the Monroe County sales tax.
Sales Tax Handbook (Sept 2023)
Healthcare costs in Rochester, NY
In Rochester, residents have various healthcare providers. They can choose from several private healthcare insurance providers or sign up for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which is government-subsidized insurance.
Self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs can leverage this opportunity if they meet the required criteria. Health insurance costs through an employer in Rochester, NY, are estimated to be 142.08 per person.
|
Type of healthcare |
Cost |
|
Employer-sponsored health insurance |
$142.08 |
|
Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) |
$566.75 |
|
Gym |
$58.83 |
Numbeo (Oct 2023) & EHealthInsurance (Oct 2023)
Conclusion
Rochester has a unique quality – it offers the charm of a small town nestled within the vibrant expanse of a major city, despite being the third-largest city in New York. Moreover, Rochester provides a wealth of economic opportunities. For those considering a move to Rochester, you’ll discover a wealth of enjoyable activities, spanning from sports to arts and culture.
When the time comes to make your move to Rochester, it’s essential to enlist the services of one of the top movers in Rochester, NY. A professional moving company that handles your belongings with utmost care is a crucial component of any successful move.
|
Category |
Monthly cost |
|
1 bed apt rent outside city center |
$1,094.38 |
|
Groceries Numbeo’s grocery list ($62 multiplied by 4) |
$248.00 |
|
Utilities Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$130.55 |
|
Internet with 60 Mbps |
$65.21 |
|
Transit pass |
$20.00 |
|
Entertainment Meal, taxi, movie |
$93.00 |
|
Gym membership |
$58.83 |
|
Total |
$1,709.97 |
