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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Lancaster is 33% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,696/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 22%
$76,083/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 15%
$409,100 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 30%
$1,746/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 24%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $11,684/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Rochester — common questions

Is Lancaster or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Rochester?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Rochester?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $11,684/year higher in Rochester.
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 Lancaster or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Rochester

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