Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs High Point, NC (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Rochester is 27% more expensive than High Point.

$1,316/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 19%
$87,767/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 30%
$287,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 26%
$1,332/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 19%
121,638
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $254/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $3,048/year.

Median household income is $26,539/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs High Point — common questions

Is Rochester or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and High Point?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $254/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or High Point?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $26,539/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View High Point details →

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