Moving from Rochester to Roanoke (2026)
Roanoke has a COL index of 87 vs 89 for Rochester (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$162/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8987
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,300$1,200
per month
State tax
6.9%5.8%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,309$4,378
per month
Salary needed in Roanoke to match your Rochester lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Rochester | Equivalent in Roanoke |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,101 |
| $50K | $48,876 |
| $60K | $58,652 |
| $75K | $73,315 |
| $80K | $78,202 |
| $100K | $97,753 |
| $120K | $117,303 |
| $150K | $146,629 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Rochester vs Roanoke
| Expense | Rochester | Roanoke |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,378 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $376 | $361 |
| Transport | $65 | $48 |
| Utilities | $180 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,323 | $2,554 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Roanoke cheaper than Rochester?
Yes. Roanoke has a cost of living index of 87 vs 89 for Rochester (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Rochester to Roanoke?
On a $75K salary, moving from Rochester to Roanoke could save roughly $162/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,944/year.
What salary do I need in Roanoke to match my Rochester lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Rochester, you'd need roughly $73,315/year in Roanoke. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Roanoke to RochesterRochester vs Roanoke — full comparisonRochester cost of livingRoanoke 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