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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Long Beach is 82% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,803/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 27%
$83,969/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 5%
$762,200 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 62%
$1,890/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 30%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $3,798/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Rochester — common questions

Is Long 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 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Rochester?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Rochester?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $3,798/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 Long Beach or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Rochester details →

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