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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Ventura

California
183

Rochester is 49% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,316/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 60%
$87,767/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 14%
$287,500 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 171%
$1,332/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 59%
121,638
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $785/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,420/year.

Median household income is $12,640/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Ventura — common questions

Is Rochester or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Ventura?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $785/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Ventura?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $12,640/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Ventura details →

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