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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Arlington and Rochester have a similar cost of living.

$1,389/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 5%
$73,519/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 19%
$276,400 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 4%
$1,420/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 6%
394,769
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $14,248/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Rochester — common questions

Is Arlington or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Rochester?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Rochester?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $14,248/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 Arlington or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Rochester

Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley