Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Rochester, MN (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

St. Louis is 29% cheaper than Rochester.

$978/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 35%
$55,279/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 59%
$185,100 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 55%
$1,013/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↑ 31%
293,109
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $338/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,056/year.

Median household income is $32,488/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Rochester — common questions

Is St. Louis or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Rochester?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $338/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Rochester?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $32,488/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Minnesota?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 St. Louis or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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 St. Louis details → View Rochester details →

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