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

El Paso

Texas
67
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

El Paso is 28% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,041/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 26%
$58,734/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 49%
$171,700 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 67%
$1,044/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 28%
678,147
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $29,033/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Rochester — common questions

Is El Paso or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between El Paso and Rochester?
Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, El Paso or Rochester?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $29,033/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 El Paso or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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 El Paso details → View Rochester details →

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