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

Orange

California
206
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Orange is 122% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,252/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 42%
$116,945/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 25%
$900,700 ↑ 213%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 68%
$2,394/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 44%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $936/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $11,232/year.

Median household income is $29,178/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Rochester — common questions

Is Orange or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Rochester?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $936/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Rochester?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $29,178/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Rochester

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley