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

Oceanside

California
179
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Oceanside is 92% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,207/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 40%
$93,724/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 6%
$702,000 ↑ 144%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 59%
$2,232/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 40%
172,542
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

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oceanside, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 179 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $891/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,692/year.

Median household income is $5,957/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oceanside is $702,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oceanside vs Rochester — common questions

Is Oceanside or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oceanside and Rochester?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,207/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $891/month.
Which city has higher income, Oceanside or Rochester?
Median household income is $93,724 in Oceanside and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $5,957/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with median rent of $2,207/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 Oceanside details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oceanside and Rochester

Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley