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

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Amarillo is 26% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,049/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 25%
$62,469/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 40%
$186,800 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 54%
$1,074/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 24%
200,945
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $25,298/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Rochester — common questions

Is Amarillo or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Rochester?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Rochester?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $25,298/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 Amarillo or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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 Amarillo details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Amarillo and Rochester

Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley