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

Round Rock

Texas
122
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Round Rock is 31% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,713/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 23%
$97,187/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 10%
$383,700 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 25%
$1,781/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 25%
124,288
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Round Rock, TX and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $9,420/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Round Rock is $383,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Round Rock vs Rochester — common questions

Is Round Rock or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Round Rock and Rochester?
Median rent in Round Rock is $1,713/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, Round Rock or Rochester?
Median household income is $97,187 in Round Rock and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $9,420/year higher in Round Rock.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Round Rock or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,713/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Round Rock details → View Rochester details →

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