Cost of Living: Rochester vs Madison (2026)
Rochester has a 3% lower overall cost of living than Madison as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,400/mo in Rochester vs $1,650/mo in Madison — a 15% difference. Madison has a lower state income tax rate (7.7% vs 9.9%), which adds up over time.
- Rochester is 3% cheaper overall (COL index: 94 vs 97)
- 1BR rent: $1,400/mo in Rochester vs $1,650/mo — 15% savings
- Higher median household income: Rochester ($72,000/yr vs $68,000/yr)
- Median home price: $290,000 in Rochester vs $360,000 — 19% difference
| Category | Rochester Minnesota | Madison Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,100Best | $1,300 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,400Best | $1,650 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,850Best | $2,200 |
| Median home price | $290KBest | $360K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 100Best | 101 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $54Best | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55Best | $62 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.25 | $3.20Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $142Best | $145 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $168 | $162Best |
| Internet/mo | $62Best | $63 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $72KBest | $68K |
| State income tax% | 9.9% | 7.7%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.5% | 5.4%Best |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $40Best | $42 |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.00Best | $6.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 94Best | 97 |
| Walk score / 100 | 38 | 55Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rochester cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Rochester is 3% cheaper than Madison based on overall cost of living indices (94 vs 97, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Rochester vs Madison?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Rochester is $1,400/month and in Madison is $1,650/month. Rochester is cheaper by 15%.
How much do I need to earn in Madison to match a $75,000 salary in Rochester?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $77,394/year in Madison to match a $75,000 salary in Rochester. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Rochester or Madison?
Madison has the lower state income tax rate at 7.7% vs 9.9%. The difference is 2.2 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Rochester to Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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