Uprootmap
Erie vs Rochester
Erie and Rochester
Photo: Patrick Ashley / Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Rochester are close to the US rate in this release, 6.9 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Erie to Rochester
In 2022-2023, 26 households filed a move from Erie to Rochester (about 39 people, average adjusted gross income $56,462). 25 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $804 in Erie and $1,208 in Rochester. Erie has a state tax on wages. Rochester has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Rochester is 96% of the national level for the same work, against 85% in Erie.
Rochester averages 163 sunny days, with July highs around 81°F and January nights around 17°F. Erie is 172 sunny days, 79°F in July, 28°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in Rochester and 20 in Erie.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 26 households moved Erie → Rochester (about 39 people, average AGI $56,462). 25 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Erie and Rochester changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 178 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,700–$3,200
- Container or pod
- $1,150–$2,200
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
Explore more
Dig into Rochester
Questions
Is Rochester cheaper than Erie after tax and rent?
No. Rochester leaves about $292 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $804 in Erie and $1,208 in Rochester.
Does Rochester have state income tax?
Rochester is in New York, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Erie to Rochester?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.