Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Phoenix is 17% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,458/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 10%
$77,041/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 14%
$381,900 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 25%
$1,430/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 7%
1,624,832
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $10,726/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Rochester — common questions

Is Phoenix or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Rochester?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Rochester?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $10,726/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Minnesota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Rochester details →

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