Cost of Living in Rochester, NY - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,058 (excluding rent), and $2,405 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,691 (excluding rent), and $5,154 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$25.38 $25.38

$22.84 $22.84

$26.9 $26.9

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$78.5 $78.5

$58.9 $58.9

$123 $123

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.58 $10.58

$10.11 $10.11

$14.17 $14.17

Cappuccino

$5.66 $5.66

$2.9 $2.9

$9.72 $9.72

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.53 $2.53

$1.96 $1.96

$2.93 $2.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.78 $2.78

$2.02 $2.02

$5.06 $5.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.04 $4.04

$3.03 $3.03

$7.08 $7.08

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.11 $6.11

$5.09 $5.09

$8.15 $8.15

Milk (1 liter)

$1.03 $1.03

$0.82 $0.82

$1.24 $1.24

White Bread (500g)

$2.9 $2.9

$1.08 $1.08

$3.78 $3.78

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.02 $5.02

$2.19 $2.19

$8.79 $8.79

Eggs

$4.14 $4.14

$2.02 $2.02

$5.19 $5.19

Local Cheese (1kg)

$11.17 $11.17

$6.48 $6.48

$20.18 $20.18

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.84 $7.84

$4.46 $4.46

$15.61 $15.61

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.68 $15.68

$8.8 $8.8

$26.39 $26.39

Apples (1kg)

$5.5 $5.5

$2.53 $2.53

$8.25 $8.25

Banana (1kg)

$1.31 $1.31

$1.07 $1.07

$1.93 $1.93

Oranges (1kg)

$3.99 $3.99

$2.7 $2.7

$9.17 $9.17

Tomato (1kg)

$4.74 $4.74

$2.58 $2.58

$8.69 $8.69

Potato (1kg)

$3.65 $3.65

$1.77 $1.77

$6.63 $6.63

Onion (1kg)

$3.27 $3.27

$1.11 $1.11

$5.09 $5.09

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.14 $2.14

$1.61 $1.61

$2.68 $2.68

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.01 $1.01

$2.16 $2.16

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$14.83 $14.83

$9.89 $9.89

$15.6 $15.6

Wine (Bottle)

$10.19 $10.19

$4.08 $4.08

$20.38 $20.38

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.5 $2.5

$1.75 $1.75

$4.34 $4.34

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.99 $3.99

$2.85 $2.85

$5.08 $5.08

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

$0.98 $0.98

$1.96 $1.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$45.31 $45.31

$41.37 $41.37

$55.2 $55.2

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.43 $2.43

$8.74 $8.74

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.87 $1.87

$1.25 $1.25

$1.87 $1.87

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.96 $20.96

$29.95 $29.95

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.95 $0.95

$0.85 $0.85

$0.99 $0.99

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.9K $29.9K

$24.9K $24.9K

$36.3K $36.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.6K $25.6K

$25.8K $25.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$147 $147

$101 $101

$254 $254

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.1 $50.1

$29.72 $29.72

$79.3 $79.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.6 $65.6

$49.75 $49.75

$79.6 $79.6

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$45.07 $45.07

$20.33 $20.33

$71.2 $71.2

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$45.42 $45.42

Cinema Ticket

$13.55 $13.55

$12.04 $12.04

$15.05 $15.05

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,337 $1,337

$858 $858

$1,675 $1,675

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$28.9K $28.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$39.94 $39.94

$24.53 $24.53

$54 $54

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$33.1 $33.1

$24.85 $24.85

$49.7 $49.7

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.7 $83.7

$59.5 $59.5

$99.1 $99.1

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$88.8 $88.8

$71 $71

$101 $101

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,539 $1,539

$1,190 $1,190

$1,983 $1,983

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,200 $1,200

$1,000 $1,000

$1,499 $1,499

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,177 $2,177

$1,979 $1,979

$2,474 $2,474

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,201 $2,201

$1,780 $1,780

$3,016 $3,016

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,443 $1,443

$1,072 $1,072

$1,741 $1,741

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,434 $1,434

$1,066 $1,066

$1,730 $1,730

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,809 $3,809

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.57

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Rochester, NY - Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester offers a balanced value proposition for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want city access with less price pressure than many coastal hubs. Compared with bigger markets, you will often find more affordable housing options clustered around university districts and up-and-coming neighborhoods, along with practical options for shopping and dining. The Cost of Living in Rochester, NY, United States gives you a qualitative sense of how daily expenses stack up for groceries, utilities, and transit as you plan longer stays or remote work setups. Seasonality affects prices and availability, but essentials tend to remain approachable. Tip: Map several neighborhood bases and test commutes before committing.

Daily life in Rochester blends urban amenities with easy access to parks and lakefront views. For housing, you will find walkable neighborhoods with apartments near parks and a mix of historic homes. Food options range from farmers markets to casual eateries and diverse groceries, with seasonal produce shifting through the year. Transport relies on a solid bus network, bike-friendly streets, and periodic rideshares, while Amtrak makes weekend trips convenient. Co-working spaces and friendly cafes support remote work without long commutes. Rochester, NY, United States living cost gives you a practical guardrail as you budget groceries, utilities, and transit. Tip: Test a few neighborhoods by foot before signing a lease.

Quality of life in Rochester hinges on choosing a neighborhood that matches your pace, and using simple budgeting frameworks helps you stay flexible. Try a quick plan that allocates emphasis on housing, groceries, transport, and leisure, then adjust with the seasons. Winter heating and seasonal activities influence your daily rhythm more than headlines suggest, while summer markets and outdoor events offer affordable ways to socialize. Neighborhoods like Park Avenue or the East End can suit walkers and caffeine lovers, while quieter spots near campuses may appeal to someone seeking a slower pace. Tip: Use a two-week trial period to test daily routines and transit options.