Cost of Living: Springfield, MA vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Springfield

Massachusetts
79
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Springfield is 15% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,114/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 18%
$51,339/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 71%
$222,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 29%
$1,276/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 4%
154,751
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MA and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $202/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $2,424/year.

Median household income is $36,428/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $222,700 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Rochester — common questions

Is Springfield or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Rochester?
Median rent in Springfield is $1,114/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $202/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Rochester?
Median household income is $51,339 in Springfield and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $36,428/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Minnesota?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Springfield or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,114/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 Springfield details → View Rochester details →

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