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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Palmdale is 40% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,736/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 24%
$81,151/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 8%
$435,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 34%
$1,831/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 27%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $6,616/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Rochester — common questions

Is Palmdale or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Rochester?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Rochester?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $6,616/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 Palmdale or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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