Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Rochester is 27% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,316/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 24%
$87,767/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 45%
$287,500 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 18%
$1,332/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 22%
121,638
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $311/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $3,732/year.

Median household income is $39,231/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama has a lower income tax rate, making Tuscaloosa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Rochester or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $311/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $39,231/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Alabama?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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