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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Rochester is 158% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,316/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 62%
$87,767/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 24%
$287,500 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 370%
$1,332/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 76%
121,638
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.875%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $20,791/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Rochester or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Berkeley?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Berkeley?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $20,791/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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