Moving from Durham to Rochester (2026)
Rochester has a COL index of 89 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). You'd pay about 13% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$435/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10289
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,750$1,300
per month
State tax
4.5%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,459$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Rochester to match your Durham lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Durham | Equivalent in Rochester |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,902 |
| $50K | $43,627 |
| $60K | $52,353 |
| $75K | $65,441 |
| $80K | $69,804 |
| $100K | $87,255 |
| $120K | $104,706 |
| $150K | $130,882 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Durham vs Rochester
| Expense | Durham | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $372 | $376 |
| Transport | $82 | $65 |
| Utilities | $155 | $180 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,038 | $2,323 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rochester cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Rochester has a cost of living index of 89 vs 102 for Durham (100 = US average). That's about 13% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Durham to Rochester?
On a $75K salary, moving from Durham to Rochester could save roughly $435/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,220/year.
What salary do I need in Rochester to match my Durham lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Durham, you'd need roughly $65,441/year in Rochester. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Rochester to DurhamDurham vs Rochester — full comparisonDurham cost of livingRochester cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only