Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Colorado Springs

Colorado
119
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Colorado Springs is 28% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,562/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 16%
$83,198/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 5%
$420,700 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 32%
$1,592/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 16%
483,099
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Colorado Springs, CO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 119 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $4,569/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Colorado Springs is $420,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Colorado Springs slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Springs vs Rochester — common questions

Is Colorado Springs or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Colorado Springs and Rochester?
Median rent in Colorado Springs is $1,562/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Colorado Springs or Rochester?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $4,569/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Colorado Springs or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Colorado Springs has a cost index of 119 with median rent of $1,562/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 Colorado Springs details → View Rochester details →

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