Cost of Living in Rochester, Minnesota (2026)
COL Index
94
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,400
per month
Median HHI
$72K
per year
State Tax
9.9%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Rochester |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,100 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,400 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,850 |
| Median home price | $290K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 100 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $13 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $54 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $55 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.25 |
| Car insurance/mo | $142 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $168 |
| Internet/mo | $62 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $72K |
| State income tax rate | 9.9% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.5% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 94 |
| Walk score / 100 | 38 |
Is Rochester affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,398/mo take-home
58% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,748/mo take-home
51% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,298/mo take-home
42% rent burden · Tight
$75K
~$4,122/mo take-home
34% rent burden · Manageable
$80K
~$4,397/mo take-home
32% rent burden · Manageable
$100K
~$5,496/mo take-home
25% rent burden · Comfortable
$120K
~$6,165/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
$150K
~$7,706/mo take-home
18% rent burden · Very comfortable
Too expensive? Find cheaper alternatives.
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only