Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Rochester and Yonkers, New York. Using New York's 1.72% property tax rate and $2,100/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Rochester is significantly more affordable than Yonkers, with homes priced 65% lower on average. That translates to $2,549/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in New York, Rochester offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses New York's 1.72% property tax rate.
Buying in Rochester saves you approximately $2,549/month ($30,588/year) compared to Yonkers, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Rochester is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $185K versus $525K in Yonkers. That's $340K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $6K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Rochester, compared to $18K in Yonkers. New York offers the SONYMA Achieving the Dream program (Up to $15,000 DPAL) which applies in both cities.
Rochester has the better price-to-rent ratio at 13.8x versus 21.3x in Yonkers. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Rochester is $1,120/month on a $185K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Yonkers (pop. 211,569) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Rochester (pop. 211,328) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Rochester, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.