salaryRochester is the 3rd-largest city in Minnesota that we track, with 122,330 residents. Rent is higher than in 52% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.2 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 17.4 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $68,160 a year. That is $33 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Minnesota cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Minnesota. It is number 91 of 150 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Rochester?
Share of households by yearly income. 34.3% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Rochester
| Size | Rochester | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,265 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,287 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,537 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,841 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,310 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Rochester overall?
Everyday prices in the Rochester metro area are 9% below the U.S. average (index 90.8, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Rochester
Life in Rochester
What jobs pay in Rochester
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $164,250 | 12.4% |
| Physician Assistant | $137,340 | 14.9% |
| Software Developer | $134,450 | 15.2% |
| Lawyer | $129,270 | 15.8% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,270 | 16.2% |
| Dental Hygienist | $103,440 | 19.8% |
| Registered Nurse | $101,660 | 20.1% |
| Civil Engineer | $101,200 | 20.2% |
| Operations Manager | $85,650 | 23.9% |
| Plumber | $84,880 | 24.1% |
| Accountant | $83,960 | 24.4% |
| Market Research Analyst | $83,030 | 24.6% |
| Electrician | $79,650 | 25.7% |
| HVAC Technician | $77,500 | 26.4% |
| Police Officer | $77,230 | 26.5% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $75,770 | 27.0% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,750 | 32.1% |
| Carpenter | $63,610 | 32.1% |
| Truck Driver | $62,180 | 32.9% |
| Medical Assistant | $49,830 | 41.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $47,050 | 43.5% |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,840 | 43.7% |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,360 | 44.1% |
| Restaurant Cook | $38,150 | 53.6% |
| Retail Salesperson | $36,000 | 56.8% |
| Firefighter | $35,200 | 58.1% |
| Cashier | $34,960 | 58.5% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $24,060 | 85.0% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Rochester?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $450 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $310,500 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $31,050 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Rochester, MN?
Renting in Rochester costs a median of about $1,704 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Minnesota median is $1,525.
How much do I need to make to live in Rochester?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $68,160 a year, or $33 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Rochester cheap or expensive?
Rochester is rated OK: rent takes 21.2% of the typical household income of $96,406. It ranks 91st cheapest of 150 Minnesota cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Rochester?
The median homeowner in Rochester pays $3,258 a year in property taxes, about 1.05% of the median home value.
Is Rochester more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 9% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $310,500, about 3.2 times the typical yearly household income.
122,330 people live in Rochester. Numbers are typical (middle) values.