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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Rochester is 11% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,316/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 17%
$87,767/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 27%
$287,500 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 13%
$1,332/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 6%
121,638
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $223/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,676/year.

Median household income is $23,327/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Rochester or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Clearwater?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $223/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Clearwater?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $23,327/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Clearwater details →

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