Madison, WI vs Rochester, MN: Cost of Living Comparison
Rochester has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Madison | Rochester | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 95 | Rochester |
| Housing | 100 ($955) | 83 ($921) | Rochester |
| Transportation | 98 ($3.50) | 100 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 103 ($422) | 118 ($484) | Madison |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 92 ($149) | Rochester |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 92 ($108) | Rochester |
| Median annual wage | 104 ($50,270) | 117 ($56,920) | Madison |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison, WI or Rochester, MN cheaper to live in?
Rochester, MN is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (Madison, WI: 100, Rochester, MN: 95; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Madison, WI vs Rochester, MN?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Madison, WI and $33,250/year in Rochester, MN to cover basic living costs.