2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Rochester, NY vs Erie, PA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Erie or is it cheaper to live in Rochester?
- Erie is 8.8% less expensive than Rochester.

Which city has more affordable housing, Erie or Rochester?
- Erie housing costs are 8.0% more expensive than Rochester housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Rochester or is Health Care more affordable in Erie.
- Health related expenses are 15.8% less in Erie.
 Rochester, NYErie, PAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock80.8100
 Food & Groceries97.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock90.3100
 Housing44.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$159,600$338,100
 Utilities103  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock82.6100
 Miscellaneous148.6  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Rochester    79 Reviews

Stay out of the rougher patches, and you'll find a pretty solid city. I live within close proximity to it, and the crime from it DOES rub off on us (auto theft), but  More

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Rochester isn't perfect (I'll detail pros and cons), but it's certainly perfect for me and my husband. We've lived here for 4 years and are getting ready to purchase our  More

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Rochester is a scenic city with so much to offer in terms of things to do and having 4 seasons, except the summer is more like a long spring!! It's a relatively unknown  More

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Reviews for Erie    28 Reviews

Erie is a hidden gem with something for everyone. Presque isle state park draws about as many visitors as Yellowstone and more than My. Rushmore. Outdoors are covered  More

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K · Erie, PA
Over 2 years ago

I've lived in Erie for 13 years. PROS: - Presque Isle - Shopping options on Peach Street - Great fishing - The Otters and SeaWolves - Decent food scene - 3  More

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Over 6 years ago

I've lived in numerous cities and towns around the country and traveled to countless others. Erie, PA remains, surprisingly, my favorite place to live, work and play.  More

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