Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Raleigh is 18% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,468/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 10%
$82,424/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 6%
$377,800 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 24%
$1,487/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 10%
470,763
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $5,343/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Rochester — common questions

Is Raleigh or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Rochester?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Rochester?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $5,343/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Minnesota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Raleigh and Rochester

Raleigh vs. Colorado Springs Raleigh vs. Long Beach Raleigh vs. Omaha Raleigh vs. Virginia Beach Raleigh vs. Atlanta Raleigh vs. Miami Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley