Rochester, MN vs St. Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison
St. Paul has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Rochester | St. Paul | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 95 | 90 | St. Paul |
| Housing | 83 ($921) | 80 ($874) | St. Paul |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Rochester |
| Food & groceries | 118 ($484) | 98 ($402) | St. Paul |
| Utilities | 92 ($149) | 90 ($144) | St. Paul |
| Healthcare | 92 ($108) | 90 ($104) | St. Paul |
| Median annual wage | 117 ($56,920) | 117 ($56,920) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rochester, MN or St. Paul, MN cheaper to live in?
St. Paul, MN is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (Rochester, MN: 95, St. Paul, MN: 90; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Rochester, MN vs St. Paul, MN?
A single adult needs roughly $33,250/year in Rochester, MN and $31,500/year in St. Paul, MN to cover basic living costs.