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

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Denver is 58% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,770/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 26%
$91,681/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 4%
$586,700 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 51%
$1,839/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 28%
713,734
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

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $3,914/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Rochester — common questions

Is Denver or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Rochester?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Rochester?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $3,914/year higher in Denver.
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 Denver or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Rochester details →

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