Cost of Living: Abilene, TX vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Abilene

Texas
71
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Abilene is 24% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,106/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 19%
$62,720/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 40%
$178,900 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 61%
$1,114/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 20%
127,130
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Abilene, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 71 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $25,047/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Abilene is $178,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Abilene vs Rochester — common questions

Is Abilene or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Abilene and Rochester?
Median rent in Abilene is $1,106/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Abilene or Rochester?
Median household income is $62,720 in Abilene and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $25,047/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Abilene or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Abilene has a cost index of 71 with median rent of $1,106/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Abilene details → View Rochester details →

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