Lakeville, MN vs Rochester, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rochester is 28.9% cheaper than Lakeville. With a cost index of 96 vs 124, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rochester to Lakeville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lakeville is $1,727/month compared to $1,316/month in Rochester — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rochester is more affordable at $287,500 median vs $425,200.

Median household income in Lakeville is $138,119 compared to $87,767 in Rochester (+57.4%). While Lakeville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lakeville spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, less than the 18% in Rochester.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.9°F vs 44.8°F). Rochester receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 31.6" in Lakeville.