Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Tacoma is 35% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,597/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 18%
$83,857/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 5%
$454,600 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 37%
$1,747/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 24%
220,482
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $3,910/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Rochester — common questions

Is Tacoma 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 Tacoma and Rochester?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Rochester?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $3,910/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Minnesota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Rochester details →

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