Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Surprise is 35% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,917/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 31%
$93,371/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 6%
$396,000 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 27%
$1,587/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 16%
149,519
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $601/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $7,212/year.

Median household income is $5,604/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Rochester — common questions

Is Surprise or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Rochester?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $601/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Rochester?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $5,604/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Minnesota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Rochester

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