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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Fullerton is 110% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,124/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 38%
$104,219/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 16%
$859,600 ↑ 199%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 67%
$2,251/mo ↑ 69%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 41%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $808/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,696/year.

Median household income is $16,452/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Rochester — common questions

Is Fullerton or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Rochester?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $808/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Rochester?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,452/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Rochester details →

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