Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Anaheim is 89% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,082/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 37%
$90,583/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 3%
$771,700 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 63%
$2,165/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 38%
344,553
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $766/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,192/year.

Median household income is $2,816/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Rochester — common questions

Is Anaheim or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Rochester?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $766/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Rochester?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $2,816/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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.
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