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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Rochester is 31% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,316/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 47%
$87,767/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 57%
$287,500 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 41%
$1,332/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 48%
121,638
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $623/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,476/year.

Median household income is $49,744/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Rochester or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $623/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $49,744/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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