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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Rochester is 19% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,316/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 30%
$87,767/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 31%
$287,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$337,200 ↑ 17%
$1,332/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 23%
121,638
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $393/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,716/year.

Median household income is $26,788/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Rochester or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $393/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $26,788/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Miami Gardens

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