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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Pasadena is 137% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,218/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 41%
$103,778/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 15%
$1,045,000 ↑ 263%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 72%
$2,340/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 43%
136,462
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $902/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,824/year.

Median household income is $16,011/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Rochester — common questions

Is Pasadena or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Rochester?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $902/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Rochester?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,011/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Rochester details →

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