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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Oakland is 110% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,917/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 31%
$97,369/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 10%
$924,700 ↑ 222%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 69%
$2,164/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 38%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $9,602/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Rochester — common questions

Is Oakland or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Rochester?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Rochester?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $9,602/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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