Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Bellevue is 169% more expensive than Rochester.

$2,505/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 47%
$161,300/yr ↑ 84%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 46%
$1,203,100 ↑ 318%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 76%
$2,586/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 48%
151,199
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,189/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $14,268/year.

Median household income is $73,533/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Rochester — common questions

Is Bellevue or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Rochester?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $1,189/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Rochester?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $73,533/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Minnesota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Bellevue or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Rochester details →

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