Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Rochester is 22% cheaper than Lowell.

$1,316/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↑ 22%
$87,767/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 13%
$287,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$395,100 ↑ 37%
$1,332/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↑ 26%
121,638
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $11,562/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Lowell — common questions

Is Rochester or Lowell 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 Lowell?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Lowell?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $11,562/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Massachusetts?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Lowell details →

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