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

College Station

Texas

Rochester

Minnesota

College Station and Rochester have a similar cost of living.

$1,168/mo ↓ 11%

Median Rent

$1,316/mo ↑ 13%

$51,776/yr ↓ 41%

Median Income

$87,767/yr ↑ 70%

$326,500 ↑ 14%

Home Value

$287,500 ↓ 12%

$1,251/mo ↓ 6%

Owner Costs

$1,332/mo ↑ 6%

122,280

Population

121,638

Tax Comparison

Income Tax

9.85%

6.25%

Sales Tax

6.875%

1.6%

Property Tax

1.11%

Affordability

27.1%

rent-to-income

Affordability

18.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing College Station, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $35,991/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in College Station is $326,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

College Station vs Rochester — common questions

Is College Station or Rochester cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 93 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between College Station and Rochester?

Median rent in College Station is $1,168/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $148/month.

Which city has higher income, College Station or Rochester?

Median household income is $51,776 in College Station and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $35,991/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 College Station or Rochester?

It depends on your priorities. College Station has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,168/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.