Duluth, WA vs Rochester, WA

The cost of living difference between Duluth, WA and Rochester, WA is dramatic. Rochester is 30.5% cheaper than Duluth, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Duluth has a cost index of 137 while Rochester sits at 105, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

When it comes to buying, median home values in Duluth are $730,900 compared to $391,600 in Rochester, a 87% gap.

Median household income in Duluth is $165,071 compared to $94,754 in Rochester (+74.2%). While Duluth is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53°F vs 50.5°F). Rochester receives more rainfall at 50.6" per year compared to 42.3" in Duluth.