Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Rochester is 3% more expensive than Elgin.

$1,316/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↓ 4%
$87,767/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,316/yr ≈ Same
$287,500 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 12%
$1,332/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 13%
121,638
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $56/month cheaper in Elgin, saving renters about $672/year.

Median household income is $549/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Elgin slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Elgin — common questions

Is Rochester or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elgin is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Elgin?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $56/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Elgin?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $549/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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