Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Minneapolis is 67% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,329/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 22%
$80,269/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 42%
$345,600 ↑ 187%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 65%
$1,513/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 33%
426,845
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $33,641/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Rochester — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Rochester?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Rochester?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $33,641/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New York?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Minneapolis details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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