Edina, MN vs Rochester, MN

The cost of living difference between Edina, MN and Rochester, MN is dramatic. Rochester is 46.8% cheaper than Edina, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Edina has a cost index of 141 while Rochester sits at 96, 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.

On the housing front, median rent in Edina is $1,757/month compared to $1,316/month in Rochester — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rochester is more affordable at $287,500 median vs $624,000.

Median household income in Edina is $129,225 compared to $87,767 in Rochester (+47.2%). While Edina is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Edina spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 18% in Rochester.