Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Garland is 3% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,525/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 14%
$74,717/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 17%
$248,900 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 16%
$1,445/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 8%
245,298
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $13,050/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Rochester — common questions

Is Garland or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Rochester?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Rochester?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $13,050/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Rochester details →

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