Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Seattle is 111% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,998/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 34%
$121,984/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 28%
$912,100 ↑ 217%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 68%
$2,220/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 40%
741,440
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $682/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $8,184/year.

Median household income is $34,217/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Rochester — common questions

Is Seattle or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Rochester?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $682/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Rochester?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $34,217/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Minnesota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Rochester details →

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