Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Rochester is 52% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,316/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 28%
$87,767/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 33%
$287,500 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 48%
$1,332/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 24%
121,638
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $365/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $4,380/year.

Median household income is $29,051/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Peoria — common questions

Is Rochester or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Peoria?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $365/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Peoria?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $29,051/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Peoria details →

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