Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Tampa is 22% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,567/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 16%
$71,302/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 23%
$375,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 23%
$1,553/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 14%
393,389
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.86%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $16,465/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Rochester — common questions

Is Tampa or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Rochester?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Rochester?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $16,465/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Minnesota?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Rochester

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley