Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Provo, UT (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Provo

Utah
102

Rochester is 9% cheaper than Provo.

$1,316/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,152/mo ↓ 12%
$87,767/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$62,800/yr ↓ 28%
$287,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$437,100 ↑ 52%
$1,332/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,220/mo ↓ 8%
121,638
Population
114,303

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Provo, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 102 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Provo, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $24,967/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $437,100 in Provo.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Provo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Provo — common questions

Is Rochester or Provo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Provo?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Provo it's $1,152/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Provo?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $62,800 in Provo. Median household income is $24,967/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Utah?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Provo?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Provo has a cost index of 102 with rent of $1,152/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Provo details →

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