Cost of Living: West Valley City, UT vs Rochester, MN (2026)

West Valley City

Utah
109
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

West Valley City is 17% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,445/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 9%
$88,604/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$87,767/yr ≈ Same
$377,300 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 24%
$1,473/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 10%
137,955
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.58%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing West Valley City, UT and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $837/year higher in West Valley City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in West Valley City is $377,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making West Valley City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Valley City vs Rochester — common questions

Is West Valley City or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between West Valley City and Rochester?
Median rent in West Valley City is $1,445/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, West Valley City or Rochester?
Median household income is $88,604 in West Valley City and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $837/year higher in West Valley City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Minnesota?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to West Valley City or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,445/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 West Valley City details → View Rochester details →

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