Rochester, MN vs St. Cloud, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. St. Cloud is 21.3% cheaper than Rochester. With a cost index of 79 vs 96, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from St. Cloud to Rochester should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month compared to $1,005/month in St. Cloud — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: St. Cloud is more affordable at $212,800 median vs $287,500.

Median household income in Rochester is $87,767 compared to $61,112 in St. Cloud (+43.6%). 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 18% of their income on rent, less than the 19.7% in St. Cloud.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.8°F vs 42.9°F). Rochester receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 28.5" in St. Cloud.