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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Fremont is 199% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,905/mo ↑ 121%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 55%
$176,350/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 50%
$1,289,400 ↑ 348%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 78%
$3,000/mo ↑ 125%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 56%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,589/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $19,068/year.

Median household income is $88,583/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fremont or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Rochester?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,589/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Rochester?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $88,583/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Rochester details →

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