Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Rochester is 22% cheaper than Gresham.

$1,316/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↑ 15%
$87,767/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 16%
$287,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$440,000 ↑ 53%
$1,332/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↑ 19%
121,638
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $192/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $2,304/year.

Median household income is $14,159/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Gresham — common questions

Is Rochester or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Gresham?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $192/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Gresham?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $14,159/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Oregon?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Gresham details →

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