Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Elk Grove is 81% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,180/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 40%
$122,229/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 28%
$603,400 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 52%
$2,227/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 40%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $34,462/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Rochester — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Rochester?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $864/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Rochester?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $34,462/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Rochester details →

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