Cost of Living in Rochester, WI

With a cost of living index of 89, Rochester, WI is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 11% cheaper than the national average and 10% above the Wisconsin state average of 79. Rochester is a small community of 3,780 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Rochester's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $920 (30% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $340,900 (12% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Rochester is $104,429, which is 39% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 11% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Everyday prices in the Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.