Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Rochester is 12% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,316/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$87,767/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 17%
$287,500 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 28%
$1,332/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 6%
121,638
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,737/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Odessa residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Odessa — common questions

Is Rochester or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Odessa?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Odessa?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $14,737/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Texas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Odessa

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