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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Houston is 5% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,313/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ≈ Same
$62,894/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 40%
$253,400 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 13%
$1,316/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 1%
2,300,419
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,873/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Rochester — common questions

Is Houston or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Rochester?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $3/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Rochester?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $24,873/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 Houston or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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