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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Rochester is 18% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,316/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 4%
$87,767/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 26%
$287,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 28%
$1,332/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 12%
121,638
Population
107,846

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
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $52/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $624/year.

Median household income is $22,575/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Rochester or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Dearborn?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $52/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Dearborn?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $22,575/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 Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Dearborn details →

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