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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Dallas is 4% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,403/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 6%
$67,760/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 30%
$295,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 3%
$1,409/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 5%
1,299,553
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $20,007/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Rochester — common questions

Is Dallas or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Rochester?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Rochester?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $20,007/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 Dallas or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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.
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