Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Rochester to Phoenix
Based on 2024 ACS 5-year data, Phoenix has higher median income ($81,332 vs $47,213) and higher housing costs (rent $1,582 vs $1,081; home value $420,700 vs $139,600) than Rochester. Phoenix also has a longer commute (28 vs 21 minutes) and applies a 2.50% state income tax in the model, while Rochester’s state tax is excluded per data boundaries. The trade-off involves weighing Phoenix’s stronger income against its elevated housing burden, longer commute, and tax inclusion, versus Rochester’s lower costs and shorter commute but significantly lower income. Neither city universally dominates; the better fit depends on individual priorities regarding income, housing affordability, commute time, and tax exposure.
Corridor Direction & Trade-off Delta
⇄ Switch to Phoenix → RochesterMoving from Rochester to Phoenix
Median Rent Impact
+$501/mo
Moving to Phoenix costs ~$6,012 more/yr in rent.
State Tax Treatment
+2.5%
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Daily Commute Difference
+7 min / day
Difference of ~58 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Your move
Compare the life behind the offer.
Adjust the assumptions. Every result updates instantly.
Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
LIVE VERDICTROC → PHX
53/ 100
A close, nuanced move
Your modeled annual room improves.Estimated annual life delta+$3,572after essentials; unverified state tax excluded
Best gainA balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference
Watch closelyThe $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above Dallas despite similar commute time
The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Rochester is about $6,012 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Rochester household income$47,213
Phoenix household income$81,332
Rochester gross rent$1,081
Phoenix gross rent$1,582
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Rochester | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 208,772 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $47,213 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $1,081 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $139,600 | $420,700 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 2.5% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 21 minutes in Rochester and 28 minutes in Phoenix. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Median household income
- Median gross rent and home value
- One-way commute time
- State income tax treatment in model
What each city wins
Rochester
Housing costs align closely with local income levels.. Watch affordability may reflect lower income levels rather than low housing costs alone..
Phoenix
A balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference. Watch the $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above dallas despite similar commute time.
Frequently asked questions
How do housing costs compare between the two cities relative to income?
Phoenix’s median gross rent is 46% higher than Rochester’s ($1,582 vs $1,081), but its median household income is 72% higher ($81,332 vs $47,213), suggesting housing is more burdensome in Rochester despite lower absolute costs.
What role does commute time play in the comparison between these cities?
Phoenix residents have a 7-minute longer average one-way commute (28 vs 21 minutes), which may offset some income advantages depending on transportation costs, time value, and access to jobs or services.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.