Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Madison is 11% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,364/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 4%
$76,983/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 14%
$346,900 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 17%
$1,476/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 10%
275,568
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.61%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,784/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Rochester — common questions

Is Madison or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Rochester?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Rochester?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $10,784/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Minnesota?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Madison and Rochester

Madison vs. Buffalo Madison vs. Chula Vista Madison vs. Chandler Madison vs. Gilbert Madison vs. Plano Madison vs. North Las Vegas Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley