Austin, TX vs Rochester, MN
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Austin
68.3
#1322 nationally
Rochester
76
#401 nationally
Rochester leads in average commute (17.1 min vs 26.8 min). Austin leads in walk score (42 vs 30). Rochester leads in cost of living index (106 vs 129).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Austin, TX | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 68.3 (#1322) | 76 (#401) |
| Population | 967,862 | 122,413 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $504,148 | $347,877 |
| Median Household Income | $91,461 | $83,973 |
| Average Commute | 26.8 min | 17.1 min |
| Walk Score | 42 | 30 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 4.2 |
| School Rating | 7.2 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 129 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+39.3 | D+10.7 |
D+
68.3 Score
Austin, TX
Live music capital meets tech innovation
Median Home
$504,148
Population
967,862
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Southwest
View Austin, TX →
C
76 Score
Rochester, MN
Mid-size Minnesota city with community character
Median Home
$347,877
Population
122,413
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
30
Midwest
View Rochester, MN →