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

Torrance

California
218
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Torrance is 134% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,214/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 41%
$113,105/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 22%
$1,036,600 ↑ 261%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 72%
$2,295/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 42%
143,499
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

23.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Torrance, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 218 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $898/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,776/year.

Median household income is $25,338/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Torrance is $1,036,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Torrance vs Rochester — common questions

Is Torrance or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Torrance and Rochester?
Median rent in Torrance is $2,214/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $898/month.
Which city has higher income, Torrance or Rochester?
Median household income is $113,105 in Torrance and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $25,338/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Torrance has a cost index of 218 with median rent of $2,214/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 Torrance details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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