Moving from St. Paul to Rochester (2026)
Rochester has a COL index of 89 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Rochester to match your St. Paul lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Paul | Equivalent in Rochester |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,701 |
| $50K | $45,876 |
| $60K | $55,052 |
| $75K | $68,814 |
| $80K | $73,402 |
| $100K | $91,753 |
| $120K | $110,103 |
| $150K | $137,629 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Paul vs Rochester
| Expense | St. Paul | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $384 | $376 |
| Transport | $95 | $65 |
| Utilities | $195 | $180 |
| Internet | $63 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,885 | $2,323 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Rochester cheaper than St. Paul?
Yes. Rochester has a cost of living index of 89 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from St. Paul to Rochester?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Paul to Rochester could save roughly $251/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,012/year.
What salary do I need in Rochester to match my St. Paul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $68,814/year in Rochester. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only