Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Rochester is 63% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,316/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 28%
$87,767/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 40%
$287,500 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 55%
$1,332/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 31%
121,638
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $35,516/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Evansville — common questions

Is Rochester or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Evansville?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Evansville?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $35,516/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Indiana?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

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