Rochester, IL vs Waterloo, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waterloo is 16.1% cheaper than Rochester. With a cost index of 79 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waterloo to Rochester should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Rochester is $1,333/month compared to $873/month in Waterloo — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waterloo is more affordable at $237,900 median vs $241,900.

Median household income in Rochester is $112,689 compared to $92,005 in Waterloo (+22.5%). While Rochester is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Rochester spend roughly 14.2% of their income on rent, more than the 11.4% in Waterloo.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (54°F vs 56.5°F). Waterloo receives more rainfall at 40.8" per year compared to 38" in Rochester.