Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Richmond is 5% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,314/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ≈ Same
$62,671/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 40%
$328,100 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 12%
$1,374/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 3%
227,595
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,096/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Rochester — common questions

Is Richmond or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Rochester?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Rochester?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $25,096/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Minnesota?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Rochester

Richmond vs. Fremont Richmond vs. Baton Rouge Richmond vs. Santa Clarita Richmond vs. Hialeah Richmond vs. Spokane Richmond vs. San Bernardino Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley