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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Santa Rosa is 85% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,084/mo ↑ 58%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 37%
$97,410/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 10%
$685,000 ↑ 138%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 58%
$2,130/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 37%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $768/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,216/year.

Median household income is $9,643/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Rochester — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Rochester?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $768/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Rochester?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $9,643/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Rochester

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley