Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Rochester, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 6.7% more expensive than Rochester, MN. This translates to spending an extra $500 per month.

What salary do I need in Dallas, TX to live like I do in Rochester, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, MN, you'd need approximately $156,005.027 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, MN and Dallas, TX?

Housing in Dallas, TX is 9.0% more expensive than in Rochester, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $1,104/month in Rochester, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, MN to Dallas, TX?

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $500 more per month than Rochester, MN, or $6005 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, MN vs Dallas, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rochester, MN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Saint Paul, MN area

Current salary in Rochester, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $500/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.0K in Dallas, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$500

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.0K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Rochester, MN

Population:122K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$346K

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:107

Median Home:$292K

Rochester, MN

The North Star State

122K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 122K residents.

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Rochester, MN vs Dallas, TX

Category	Rochester, MN	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,555/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $220more	14.1%
🏠Housing	$2,193/mo	$2,391/mo	↑ $197more	9.0%
🏥Healthcare	$718/mo	$632/mo	↓ $85.82less	12.0%
⚡All Utilities	$483/mo	$563/mo	↑ $80.25more	16.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,244/mo	$1,298/mo	↑ $53.61more	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$977/mo	$979/mo	↑ $1.91more	0.2%

📦Other

↑ 14.1%

Rochester, MN

$1,555

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$220

🏠Housing

↑ 9.0%

Rochester, MN

$2,193

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$197

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.0%

Rochester, MN

$718

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$85.82

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 16.6%

Rochester, MN

$483

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$80.25

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.3%

Rochester, MN

$1,244

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$53.61

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.2%

Rochester, MN

$977

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$1.91

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$870

To$1,450

↑ $580

1 Bed

From$931

To$1,505

↑ $574

2 Bed

From$1,104

To$1,765

↑ $661

3 Bed

From$1,533

To$2,220

↑ $687

Rochester, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$1,430/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,170

Monthly in Rochester, MN

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$467

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Dallas

$346K

Median Value

$292K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +27.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$278K - $451K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 16% less expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Dallas

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$869

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.0%

Rate difference

Rochester, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

Dallas, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Rochester, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Dallas, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.