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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

St. Paul and Rochester have a similar cost of living.

$1,248/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 5%
$73,055/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 20%
$280,300 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 3%
$1,390/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 4%
307,762
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $14,712/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Minnesota.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Rochester — common questions

Is St. Paul or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Rochester?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Rochester?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $14,712/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Minnesota?
Both cities are in Minnesota and share the same state tax rates: 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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.
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