Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Eugene is 19% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,347/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 2%
$63,836/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 37%
$435,400 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 34%
$1,421/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 6%
177,520
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,931/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Rochester — common questions

Is Eugene or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 111 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Rochester?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $31/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Rochester?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $23,931/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Minnesota?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Eugene and Rochester

Eugene vs. Ontario Eugene vs. Elk Grove Eugene vs. Aurora Eugene vs. Santa Rosa Eugene vs. Chattanooga Eugene vs. Cary Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley