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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Tucson is 18% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,079/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 22%
$54,546/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 61%
$242,200 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 19%
$1,076/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 24%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $237/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $2,844/year.

Median household income is $33,221/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Rochester — common questions

Is Tucson or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Rochester?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $237/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Rochester?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $33,221/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 Tucson or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Rochester details →

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