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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Sunnyvale is 267% more expensive than Rochester.

$3,065/mo ↑ 133%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 57%
$181,862/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 52%
$1,816,600 ↑ 532%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 84%
$3,016/mo ↑ 126%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 56%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,749/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $20,988/year.

Median household income is $94,095/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Rochester — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Rochester?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,749/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Rochester?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $94,095/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Rochester details →

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