Rochester, MN vs St. Louis Park, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rochester is 16.6% cheaper than St. Louis Park. With a cost index of 96 vs 115, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rochester to St. Louis Park should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month compared to $1,589/month in St. Louis Park — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rochester is more affordable at $287,500 median vs $371,600.

Median household income in Rochester is $87,767 compared to $100,250 in St. Louis Park (-12.5%). The higher salaries in St. Louis Park partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Rochester spend roughly 18% of their income on rent, less than the 19% in St. Louis Park.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.8°F vs 45.8°F). Rochester receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 30.7" in St. Louis Park.