C
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
20%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
5%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Rochester New Hampshire National
Cost of living113118100
Goods & Services120120100
Groceries102102100
Health care113113100
Housing105123100
Transportation110110100
Utilities131131100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Rochester, NH

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Rochester? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Rochester stands at 113, making it 13% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday goods and services make up 33% of the cost of living index and include things like clothing, personal hygiene products and entertainment which are a large portion of your monthly expenditures. Unfortunately, Rochester goods and services are 20.2% more expensive than the national average, leaving you with less money at the end of the month.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Rochester?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 10 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Rochester. The results indicated that 40% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 60% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Rochester Affordable?

Is Rochester affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Rochester, the median home price is 1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 12.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Rochester boasting a median household income of $66,831, 20.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rochester?

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Rochester, the housing index is 4.6% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Rochester, healthcare costs are 13.2% higher than the national average.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Rochester, the transportation index is 9.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Rochester, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rochester is 5% lower than the New Hampshire average
  • The cost of living in Rochester is 13% higher than the national average
  • Rochester housing is 5% higher than the national average
  • New Hampshire general sales tax is 100% lower than the national average
  • New Hampshire state income tax is 122% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Rochester

See all the best places to live around Rochester

Compare Rochester, NH Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$76,313$6,359$1,781$2,290
      Renters$40,325$3,360$941$1,210
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Rochester, NH, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Rochester homeowners, is $76,313. This would allow for a maximum of $1,781 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $40,325 which would result in a maximum of $941 to be spent on rental costs.

      New Hampshire Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New Hampshire 0% 0%

      New Hampshire Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New Hampshire 5% 5%

      Goods & Services

      Item Rochester National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.58$24.269.6%
      Beauty Salon $67.97$45.5649.2%
      Toothpaste $3.73$3.700.8%
      Shampoo $1.25$1.282.1%
      Movie $13.07$12.137.7%
      Bowling $25.44$18.0041.4%

      Groceries

      Item Rochester National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.47$5.846.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.44$1.578.5%
      Milk $4.75$4.671.6%
      Potatoes $5.01$4.931.5%
      Pizza $11.66$12.093.6%
      Beer $9.82$10.415.7%

      Health Care

      Item Rochester National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $115.00$125.688.5%
      Doctor $164.00$135.7820.8%
      Dentist $136.17$113.2920.2%
      Ibuprofen $11.01$10.653.4%
      Lipitor $483.35$468.603.1%

      Housing

      Item Rochester National avg. Difference
      Home Price $186,600.00$184,700.001.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,281.44$2,346.692.8%
      Apartment Rent $1,071.00$949.0012.9%

      Transportation

      Item Rochester National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.33$3.463.9%
      Tire Balancing $86.00$59.9243.5%

      Utilities

      Item Rochester National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $294.40$193.9951.8%
      Phone $186.72$192.252.9%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Union, NH2421077.1%
      Alton, NH17011616.5%
      Milton, NH5371033.4%
      Alfred, ME9971043.8%
      Farmington, NH4,14011211.6%
      Rochester, NH31,30511312.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Grimsby, ON31,320n/a 
      Saratoga Springs, UT31,27312726.7%
      West Falls Church, VA31,26215555.3%
      Orcutt, CA31,35314847.7%
      Redmond, OR31,35911515.1%
      Rochester, NH31,30511312.9%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.