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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Tempe is 29% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,623/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 19%
$77,643/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 13%
$421,900 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 32%
$1,554/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 14%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $10,124/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Rochester — common questions

Is Tempe or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Rochester?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Rochester?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $10,124/year higher in Rochester.
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 Tempe or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Rochester details →

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