Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Alexandria is 86% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,031/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 35%
$113,638/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 23%
$696,800 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 59%
$2,173/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 39%
156,788
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $25,871/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Rochester — common questions

Is Alexandria or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Rochester?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Rochester?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $25,871/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Minnesota?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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