Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Chicago is 8% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,380/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 5%
$75,134/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 17%
$315,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 9%
$1,502/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 11%
2,707,648
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $12,633/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Rochester — common questions

Is Chicago or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Rochester?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Rochester?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $12,633/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Minnesota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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