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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Santa Ana is 75% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,975/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 33%
$88,354/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$87,767/yr ≈ Same
$657,800 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 56%
$1,965/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 32%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $659/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,908/year.

Median household income is $587/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Rochester — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Rochester?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $659/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Rochester?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $587/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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