Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Rochester is 31% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,316/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 9%
$87,767/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 22%
$287,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 113%
$1,332/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 9%
121,638
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $115/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,380/year.

Median household income is $19,389/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Rochester or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $115/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $19,389/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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