Rochester, MN vs Woodbury, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rochester is 24.7% cheaper than Woodbury. With a cost index of 96 vs 128, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rochester to Woodbury should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Rochester is $1,316/month compared to $1,827/month in Woodbury — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rochester is more affordable at $287,500 median vs $434,900.

Median household income in Rochester is $87,767 compared to $126,222 in Woodbury (-30.5%). While Woodbury 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, more than the 17.4% in Woodbury.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (44.8°F vs 46.5°F). Rochester receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 29.2" in Woodbury.