Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Everett, WA (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Everett

Washington
137

Rochester is 32% cheaper than Everett.

$1,316/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,675/mo ↑ 27%
$87,767/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,502/yr ↓ 7%
$287,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$532,300 ↑ 85%
$1,332/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,738/mo ↑ 30%
121,638
Population
111,083

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Everett, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $6,265/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $532,300 in Everett.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Everett residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Everett — common questions

Is Rochester or Everett cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Everett?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Everett it's $1,675/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Everett?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $81,502 in Everett. Median household income is $6,265/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Washington?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Everett?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Everett has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,675/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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