Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Salt Lake City is 26% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,343/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 2%
$74,925/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 17%
$495,700 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 42%
$1,394/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 4%
203,888
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,842/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Rochester — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Rochester?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Rochester?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $12,842/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Minnesota?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Rochester

Salt Lake City vs. Columbus Salt Lake City vs. Little Rock Salt Lake City vs. Worcester Salt Lake City vs. McKinney Salt Lake City vs. Cape Coral Salt Lake City vs. Augusta Rochester vs. Independence Rochester vs. Lafayette Rochester vs. College Station Rochester vs. Ann Arbor Rochester vs. Clovis Rochester vs. Berkeley