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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Sacramento is 42% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,694/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 22%
$83,753/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 5%
$484,600 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 41%
$1,752/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 24%
524,802
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $378/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,536/year.

Median household income is $4,014/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Rochester — common questions

Is Sacramento or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Rochester?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $378/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Rochester?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $4,014/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Sacramento or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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