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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Irvine is 175% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,893/mo ↑ 120%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 55%
$129,647/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 32%
$1,115,400 ↑ 288%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 74%
$2,904/mo ↑ 118%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 54%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,577/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $18,924/year.

Median household income is $41,880/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Rochester — common questions

Is Irvine or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Rochester?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,577/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Rochester?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $41,880/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Rochester details →

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