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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Downey

California
169

Rochester is 45% cheaper than Downey.

$1,316/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 44%
$87,767/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$87,400/yr ≈ Same
$287,500 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 153%
$1,332/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 50%
121,638
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $576/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,912/year.

Median household income is $367/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Downey — common questions

Is Rochester or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Downey?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $576/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Downey?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $367/year higher in Rochester.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Downey details →

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