Cost of Living: Fort Lauderdale, FL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Fort Lauderdale is 42% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,776/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 26%
$79,935/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 10%
$455,600 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 37%
$1,778/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 25%
183,032
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Lauderdale, FL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $7,832/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Lauderdale is $455,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Lauderdale vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fort Lauderdale or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Lauderdale and Rochester?
Median rent in Fort Lauderdale is $1,776/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Lauderdale or Rochester?
Median household income is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $7,832/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Minnesota?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Fort Lauderdale or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,776/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 Fort Lauderdale details → View Rochester details →

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