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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

San Jose is 173% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,617/mo ↑ 99%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 50%
$141,565/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 38%
$1,187,800 ↑ 313%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 76%
$2,775/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 52%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,301/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $15,612/year.

Median household income is $53,798/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Rochester — common questions

Is San Jose or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Rochester?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,301/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Rochester?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $53,798/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Rochester details →

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