Cost of Living: Chandler, AZ vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Chandler is 44% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,806/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 27%
$103,691/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 15%
$469,800 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 39%
$1,743/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 24%
278,123
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $15,924/year higher in Chandler. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Chandler slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Rochester — common questions

Is Chandler or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Rochester?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Rochester?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $15,924/year higher in Chandler.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Minnesota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/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 Chandler details → View Rochester details →

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