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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

San Diego is 112% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,223/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 41%
$104,321/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 16%
$848,500 ↑ 195%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 66%
$2,308/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 42%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $16,554/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Rochester — common questions

Is San Diego or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Rochester?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Rochester?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,554/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Rochester

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley