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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Santa Clara is 230% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,985/mo ↑ 127%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 56%
$173,670/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 49%
$1,527,900 ↑ 431%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 81%
$3,051/mo ↑ 129%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 56%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,669/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $20,028/year.

Median household income is $85,903/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Rochester — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Rochester?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,669/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Rochester?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $85,903/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Clara details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clara and Rochester

Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley