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

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Chula Vista is 91% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,122/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 38%
$105,173/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 17%
$697,400 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 59%
$2,342/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 43%
275,030
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $806/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,672/year.

Median household income is $17,406/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Rochester — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Rochester?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $806/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Rochester?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $17,406/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Rochester details →

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