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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Huntington Beach is 144% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,424/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 46%
$119,885/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 27%
$1,047,300 ↑ 264%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 73%
$2,436/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 45%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,108/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $13,296/year.

Median household income is $32,118/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Rochester — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Rochester?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,108/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Rochester?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,118/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Rochester details →

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