Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Rochester is 14% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,316/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 28%
$87,767/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 12%
$287,500 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 2%
$1,332/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 16%
121,638
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $10,699/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Brandon — common questions

Is Rochester or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Brandon?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Brandon?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $10,699/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Florida?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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