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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Santa Clarita is 112% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,486/mo ↑ 89%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 47%
$119,926/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 27%
$721,000 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 60%
$2,649/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 50%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,170/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $14,040/year.

Median household income is $32,159/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Rochester — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Rochester?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,170/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Rochester?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,159/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Rochester details →

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