Columbus, Ohio and Rochester, New York are two cities that have a lot of offerings, each with its distinct features. While Columbus is known for its robust economy and diverse food scene, Rochester stands outs due to its high-quality education system and excellent health care services. The comparison will touch on aspects like crime and safety, weather, living costs, education, economy, infrastructure, and much more that might influence your decision to move or visit.
Distance between
Columbus, OH and
Rochester, NY : 354.1 miles
Columbus's population is larger by 330%. Its population has grown by 195,058 people (27.4%) since 2000. The population of Rochester has decreased by 9,167 people (4.2%) during that time.
When it comes to safety, crime rates are a crucial consideration. According to NeighborhoodScout, Columbus, OH has a crime rate that is slightly higher than the national average, especially in property-related crimes. Visitors and residents need to take basic precautions. In contrast, Rochester, NY has a relatively lower crime rate, but still comes with certain challenges in specific neighborhoods. Safety in both cities depends on the area and time of day, with downtown areas being safer.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,506 registered sex offenders living in Columbus and 984 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Columbus is 573 to 1; the ratio in Rochester is 212 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Columbus than in Rochester.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Columbus, OH is lower compared to Rochester, NY. This includes groceries, health care, housing, and transportation costs. However, Rochester provides a slightly lower cost when it comes to utilities and miscellaneous expenses. Both cities offer a good quality of life depending on your lifestyle and earning potential.
Income Tax
Ohio state income tax, which applies to Columbus, ranges from 0% to 4.797%, depending on the income level. In New York, income tax rate ranges from 4% to 8.82% based on income level, affecting Rochester residents.
Property Tax
Property tax rates in Columbus are typically around 2.1%, while in Rochester, property owners can expect to pay a significantly higher rate, around 3.64%.
Sales Tax
Columbus has a sales tax rate of 7.5%, which is a combination of Ohio state tax and city tax. In contrast, Rochester has a slightly higher rate of 8% for sales tax, inclusive of New York state sales tax and city tax.
Income
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Estimated median household income
$58,202
$41,980
Estimated per capita income
$32,392
$26,950
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
102.1
If you make $50,000 in Columbus, you will have to make $53,122 in Rochester to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Columbus is characterized by flat topography and has a river running through it, the Scioto River. Rochester is characterized by hilly terrain and located near the south shore of Lake Ontario. Both cities offer natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Education in Rochester is notable, as it's home to reputable institutions such as the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. Columbus, on the other hand, has The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the U.S. Both cities are equipped with quality school districts for K-12 education.
Columbus has a diversified economy based on sectors like banking, fashion, healthcare, education, defense, aviation, food, logistics, steel, energy, and technology. In contrast, Rochester's economy is more oriented towards manufacturing, education, services, and high technology. In both cities, the unemployment rate is relatively low.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Columbus are JPMorgan Chase & Co., The Ohio State University, Nationwide, and American Electric Power. Rochester's economy is boosted by its biggest employers the University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester General Health System, and Wegmans Food Markets.
There were 913 building permits issued in Columbus in 2012 (246 more than in 2011) compared to 45 building permits issued in Rochester in 2012 (1 less than in 2011).
In Columbus (Franklin County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Rochester (Monroe County), 58.2% voted for Democrats and 40.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Rochester
2020
64.7%
59.5%
33.4%
38.4%
1.9%
2.2%
2016
59.8%
54.3%
33.9%
39.3%
6.2%
6.5%
2012
60.8%
58.2%
37.9%
40.1%
1.3%
1.7%
2008
59.8%
58.4%
39.0%
40.6%
1.2%
1.0%
2004
54.5%
50.7%
45.2%
47.8%
0.3%
1.5%
2000
48.9%
51.0%
47.9%
44.5%
3.2%
4.5%
1996
48.1%
53.2%
44.5%
37.3%
7.3%
9.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Rochester
CATHOLIC CHURCH
13.2%
25.7%
5.6%
11.2%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.6%
1.1%
3.7%
3.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.1%
6.8%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.3%
1.2%
1.9%
1.1%
VINEYARD USA
1.3%
0.0%
1.2%
0.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.0%
1.6%
3.3%
5.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.7%
1.3%
3.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
1.0%
1.0%
1.9%
Weather
Columbus has a humid continental climate, with cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers. However, it has slightly less snowfall compared to that encountered in Rochester. Rochester experiences a similar climate but with significantly more snowfall during winters, due to its proximity to the Great Lakes.
Weather and climate
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Temperature - Average
52.8°F
47.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.8%
76.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
34%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
53%
Precipitation - Yearly average
39.3 in
33.7 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
56.6 in
178.7 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
12%
10.2%
Sunshine amount - Average
49.7%
52.1%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
27%
43%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
55%
67%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
28%
24%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
9.7 mph
Average climate in Columbus, Ohio
Average climate in Rochester, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Columbus
Rochester
Columbus
Rochester
2018
69
65
0.11
0.24
10.0
N/A
33.8
27.4
N/A
N/A
6.0
6.1
0.0
0.2
2017
68
67
0.16
0.23
9.6
N/A
28.7
29.3
N/A
N/A
5.5
6.2
0.1
0.5
2016
76
67
0.17
0.21
10.6
N/A
28.5
28.1
N/A
N/A
5.6
6.1
0.1
0.7
2015
74
65
0.16
0.21
11.3
N/A
27.0
26.4
N/A
N/A
6.1
7.1
0.1
0.8
2014
82
62
0.20
0.20
11.0
N/A
28.5
26.8
N/A
N/A
7.4
6.8
0.5
1.0
2013
78
64
N/A
0.20
8.9
N/A
29.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
7.8
7.7
0.6
0.9
2012
87
73
N/A
0.21
N/A
N/A
32.9
27.9
N/A
N/A
8.9
6.8
N/A
1.0
2011
89
67
N/A
0.19
N/A
8.1
28.1
27.2
N/A
N/A
8.9
6.8
N/A
1.1
2010
90
74
N/A
0.43
N/A
N/A
30.5
27.7
N/A
N/A
9.1
7.3
N/A
2.2
2009
61
64
N/A
0.42
N/A
N/A
28.7
24.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.9
N/A
2.5
2008
65
83
N/A
0.38
N/A
N/A
31.2
26.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
1.8
2.9
2007
80
86
N/A
0.42
N/A
N/A
30.8
25.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
2.8
4.1
2006
75
58
N/A
0.49
N/A
N/A
30.0
23.6
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
4.2
2005
87
67
N/A
0.46
N/A
N/A
29.6
23.5
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
4.2
2004
77
43
N/A
0.48
N/A
N/A
27.8
21.6
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.4
5.1
2003
91
66
N/A
0.49
N/A
N/A
26.4
24.9
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
5.4
2002
93
84
N/A
0.43
N/A
N/A
31.3
27.7
25.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.1
5.2
2001
84
70
N/A
0.42
N/A
N/A
29.2
25.7
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.5
7.6
2000
57
62
N/A
0.42
N/A
N/A
N/A
23.3
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
5.7
Natural disasters
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
119.1%
17.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
96.1%
31.8%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
17%
Transportation
Columbus offers multiple forms of transportation like buses, taxis and bikes, but the city is predominantly car-centered. Rochester offers a reliable bus system and easy highway access for commuting, while also maintaining bike-friendly routes and sidewalks.
Transport
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
415
151
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
4
1
Means of transportation to work
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Bicycle
0.6%
0.7%
Bus
1.6%
2.9%
Carpooled
7.4%
10%
Car alone
86.7%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Streetcar
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.3%
Walked
2.2%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Average
26.1 min
22.3 min
Other means
21.7 min
18.9 min
Public transportation
35.4 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
90.7%
85.7%
In 2 person carpool
7.3%
11%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
1.5%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
1.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.1%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Columbus is generally higher in price compared to Rochester. However, in both cities, the prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood and type of home.
Neighborhoods
Columbus boasts trendy neighborhoods such as Short North and German Village, while Rochester prides itself on areas like Park Avenue and East End, known for their charm and local businesses. These areas are local favorites and tourist hot spots because of their unique character.
Houses and residents
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Houses
422,120
103,333
Average household size (people)
2.3
2.3
Median year apartment built
1982
1945
Length of stay in the house since moving in
12.6 years
15.3 years
Houses occupied
390,605 (92.5%)
93,263 (90.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
175,427 (44.9%)
38,125 (40.9%)
Houses occupied by renters
215,178 (55.1%)
55,138 (59.1%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,371
$630.70
Median monthly housing costs
$1,110
$881
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$195,022
$160,052
Estimated median house or condo value
$219,200
$109,700
Median numbers of rooms
5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.3
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$233,452
$130,415
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$121,729
$173,805
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$215,337
$340,804
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$240,711
$428,520
Median house price - mobile homes
$121,578
$28,854
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$218,726
$183,602
Median house price - All housing units
$229,736
$148,505
Median house age
42
2,021
Renting percentage
53%
62.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,007.5
2,883.6
House value disparities
30.2%
40.7%
Household income disparities
42.4%
48.9%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$89,058
$69,171
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$59,295
$52,361
Housing units without a mortgage
4,290 (3.3%)
1,391 (5.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
10,651 (8.2%)
3,040 (11.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
125,487 (96.7%)
24,344 (94.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
775 (0.6%)
99 (0.4%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
13,558 (10.4%)
3,389 (13.2%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
10
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.6%
1.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Columbus
Rochester
One, detached
45.8%
47.7%
One, attached
9.1%
5.8%
Two
4.0%
17.4%
3 or 4
8.6%
8.0%
5 to 9
11.8%
5.0%
10 to 19
8.6%
2.7%
20 to 49
4.5%
4.4%
50 or more
6.8%
8.7%
Mobile homes
0.8%
0.3%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
20,915
4,711
State government workers
31,881
2,362
Unpaid family workers
724
427
Industries and Occupations
Columbus is known for its banking, insurance, healthcare, and education industries. The city also has a budding tech scene. Rochester offers job opportunities mainly in education, healthcare, and manufacturing but technology sector is seeing rapid growth recently.
Both Columbus and Rochester offer high-quality health care services. Columbus is home to the expansive OhioHealth system, while Rochester is renowned globally for the Mayo Clinic.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Columbus
Rochester
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
In terms of infrastructure, Columbus stands out with beautifully maintained parks, modern public buildings, and highly-rated public services. Rochester is known for its historic architecture and well-planned neighborhoods, despite some urban infrastructure challenges.
Infrastructure
Type
Columbus
Rochester
Hospitals
47
14
TV stations
14
13
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
200
106
Bank institutions located here
25
15
Main business address for public companies
23
14
Nuclear power plants
0
1
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
17
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Columbus
Rochester
1999
2,450
374
2000
2,376
555
2001
1,897
427
2002
1,483
356
2003
2,087
388
2004
3,216
476
2005
4,275
704
2006
4,662
872
2007
2,679
739
2008
1,015
319
2009
555
101
Culture and Food
The culture of Columbus is undergirded by its diverse population that influences its vibrant food scene, boasting a wide range of cuisines from around the world. Rochester, while smaller, embraces a rich local culture and native foods such as the "white hot" and "garbage plate."
Sports Teams
Columbus hosts professional sports teams including the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and the Columbus Crew (MLS). Rochester, although not hosting major league teams, prides itself on its minor league teams including the Rochester Red Wings (baseball) and the Rochester Americans (hockey).
Columbus, OH
Rochester, NY
Columbus, OH and 
Rochester, NY : 354.1 miles
