Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Salem is 13% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,323/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ≈ Same
$71,900/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 22%
$382,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 25%
$1,440/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 8%
176,666
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,867/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Rochester — common questions

Is Salem or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Rochester?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $7/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Rochester?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $15,867/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Minnesota?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Salem details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Rochester

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley