Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Rochester is 13% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,316/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 1%
$87,767/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 31%
$287,500 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 20%
$1,332/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 14%
121,638
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $26,820/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Rochester or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Lakeland?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $17/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Lakeland?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $26,820/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Florida?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Lakeland

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