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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Portland is 48% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,596/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 18%
$88,792/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 1%
$557,600 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 48%
$1,771/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 25%
642,715
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $280/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,360/year.

Median household income is $1,025/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Rochester — common questions

Is Portland or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Rochester?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $280/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Rochester?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $1,025/year higher in Portland.
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 Portland or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Rochester details →

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