Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Rochester is 23% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,316/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 18%
$87,767/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 8%
$287,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 51%
$1,332/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 23%
121,638
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $6,678/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Rochester or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $6,678/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Michigan?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Ann Arbor details →

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