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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Rochester is 63% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,316/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 103%
$87,767/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 59%
$287,500 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 302%
$1,332/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 110%
121,638
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,362/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $16,344/year.

Median household income is $51,559/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Rochester or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,362/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $51,559/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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