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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Garden Grove is 89% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,971/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 33%
$90,166/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 3%
$765,500 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 62%
$2,016/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 34%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $2,399/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Rochester — common questions

Is Garden 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Rochester?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Rochester?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $2,399/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Rochester

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley