Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Rochester is 26% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,316/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 25%
$87,767/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$86,979/yr ≈ Same
$287,500 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 59%
$1,332/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 21%
121,638
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $788/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Sparks — common questions

Is Rochester or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Sparks?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Sparks?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $788/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Nevada?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Sparks details →

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