Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Glendale is 10% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,397/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 6%
$70,139/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 25%
$347,000 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 17%
$1,356/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 2%
250,193
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $17,628/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Rochester — common questions

Is Glendale or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Rochester?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Rochester?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $17,628/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Minnesota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Rochester details →

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