Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Atlanta is 31% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,617/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 19%
$81,938/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 7%
$420,600 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 32%
$1,695/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 21%
499,287
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $5,829/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Rochester — common questions

Is Atlanta or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Rochester?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Rochester?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $5,829/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Minnesota?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Rochester details →

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