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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Rochester is 47% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,316/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 77%
$87,767/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 25%
$287,500 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 111%
$1,332/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 79%
121,638
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,014/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $12,168/year.

Median household income is $22,013/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Rochester or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Murrieta?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,014/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Murrieta?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $22,013/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Murrieta details →

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