Cost of Living: Arvada, CO vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Arvada

Colorado
152
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Arvada is 59% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,802/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 27%
$113,396/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 23%
$600,800 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 52%
$1,948/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 32%
122,835
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.875%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arvada, CO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $486/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,832/year.

Median household income is $25,629/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arvada is $600,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arvada vs Rochester — common questions

Is Arvada or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arvada and Rochester?
Median rent in Arvada is $1,802/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $486/month.
Which city has higher income, Arvada or Rochester?
Median household income is $113,396 in Arvada and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $25,629/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Arvada or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Arvada has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,802/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 Arvada details → View Rochester details →