Cost of Living: Rochester, MN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Rochester

Minnesota
93
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Rochester is 7% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,316/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ≈ Same
$87,767/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 27%
$287,500 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 22%
$1,332/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 3%
121,638
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, MN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 93 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,867/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $287,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Rochester or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Wilmington?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Wilmington?
Median household income is $87,767 in Rochester and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $23,867/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 93 with median rent of $1,316/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Rochester details → View Wilmington details →

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