Average Rent in Rochester, NY↑ Rents rising 9.2% YoY

Rochester, NY has rental prices ranging from $1,022/month to $1,892/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,149/month — 18% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $74,438/year, spending $1,149/month on a 1-bedroom represents 19% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Rochester Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,427/month, Rochester ranks #9 most expensive of the 41 cities tracked in New York — pricier than 90% of all US cities in our data.

The Rochester Rental Market

The Rochester, NY area has a population of about 1,058,875 and 33% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Rochester, NY have risen by $120/month (9.2%) over the past year, from $1,307 to $1,427. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Rochester, NY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $45,960. The local median household income of $74,438 exceeds that threshold by $28,478, making Rochester relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Rochester, NY is $247,928, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 14.5. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 14 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Rochester's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Dutchtown ($85,744 median home value), Upper Falls ($88,205 median home value), Charles House Area Council ($96,497 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Rochester, NY Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Rochester?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Rochester

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.