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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Moreno Valley is 55% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,036/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 35%
$87,477/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$87,767/yr ≈ Same
$461,400 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 38%
$1,980/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 33%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $290/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Rochester — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Rochester?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Rochester?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $290/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 Moreno Valley or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Rochester

Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley