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

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Vallejo is 67% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,013/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 35%
$89,496/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 2%
$557,500 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 48%
$2,058/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 35%
124,637
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

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $697/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,364/year.

Median household income is $1,729/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Rochester — common questions

Is Vallejo or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Rochester?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $697/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Rochester?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $1,729/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Rochester details →

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