Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Rochester is 33% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,316/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 38%
$87,767/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↑ 10%
$287,500 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$497,400 ↑ 73%
$1,332/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 38%
121,638
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $500/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,000/year.

Median household income is $8,378/year higher in Westminster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Westminster — common questions

Is Rochester or Westminster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Westminster?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $500/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Westminster?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $8,378/year higher in Westminster.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Colorado?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rochester and Westminster

Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley Westminster vs. Antioch Westminster vs. Manchester Westminster vs. Broken Arrow Westminster vs. Richmond Westminster vs. West Jordan Westminster vs. High Point