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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Ontario is 63% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,916/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 31%
$82,806/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 6%
$568,000 ↑ 98%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 49%
$1,967/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 32%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $600/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,200/year.

Median household income is $4,961/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Rochester — common questions

Is Ontario or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Rochester?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $600/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Rochester?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $4,961/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 Ontario or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Rochester

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley