Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Rochester is 15% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,316/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 7%
$87,767/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 48%
$287,500 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 24%
$1,332/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 4%
121,638
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $42,467/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Hartford — common questions

Is Rochester or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Hartford?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Hartford?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $42,467/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Connecticut?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Hartford details →

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