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

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Rochester is 52% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,316/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 28%
$87,767/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 25%
$287,500 ↑ 85%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 46%
$1,332/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 27%
121,638
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $22,230/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Springfield — common questions

Is Rochester or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Springfield?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Springfield?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $22,230/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Springfield details →

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