Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Reno is 31% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,453/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 9%
$78,448/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 12%
$498,600 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 42%
$1,482/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 10%
268,959
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.53%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $137/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,644/year.

Median household income is $9,319/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Reno residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Rochester — common questions

Is Reno or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Rochester?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $137/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Rochester?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $9,319/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and Minnesota?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Reno and Rochester

Reno vs. North Las Vegas Reno vs. Toledo Reno vs. Gilbert Reno vs. Fort Wayne Reno vs. Chula Vista Reno vs. Lubbock Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley