Cost of Living in Rochester, MN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,000 (excluding rent), and $2,796 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,486 (excluding rent), and $5,374 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.07 $16.07

$8.04 $8.04

$50.2 $50.2

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$73.8 $73.8

$54.1 $54.1

$118 $118

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.07 $11.07

$7.04 $7.04

$15.09 $15.09

Cappuccino

$6.32 $6.32

$4.59 $4.59

$10.19 $10.19

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.55 $2.55

$1.95 $1.95

$3.41 $3.41

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.48 $1.48

$2.95 $2.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.11 $5.11

$3.07 $3.07

$10.22 $10.22

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.12 $7.12

$4.07 $4.07

$9.15 $9.15

Milk (1 liter)

$0.96 $0.96

$0.73 $0.73

$1.63 $1.63

White Bread (500g)

$2.55 $2.55

$1.12 $1.12

$3.94 $3.94

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.80 $1.80

$4.50 $4.50

Eggs

$3.66 $3.66

$2.03 $2.03

$9.13 $9.13

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.62 $12.62

$8.74 $8.74

$14.23 $14.23

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.04 $12.04

$8.89 $8.89

$20.02 $20.02

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.66 $16.66

$12.23 $12.23

$22.23 $22.23

Apples (1kg)

$4.50 $4.50

$2.87 $2.87

$8.91 $8.91

Banana (1kg)

$1.56 $1.56

$0.84 $0.84

$3.22 $3.22

Oranges (1kg)

$3.56 $3.56

$2.14 $2.14

$6.43 $6.43

Tomato (1kg)

$3.54 $3.54

$1.77 $1.77

$6.66 $6.66

Potato (1kg)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.91 $1.91

$2.24 $2.24

Onion (1kg)

$2.93 $2.93

$2.12 $2.12

$4.29 $4.29

Lettuce (1 head)

$3.06 $3.06

$2.05 $2.05

$4.06 $4.06

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.98 $2.98

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.17 $9.17

$7.13 $7.13

$11.20 $11.20

Wine (Bottle)

$14.42 $14.42

$9.95 $9.95

$19.89 $19.89

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.70 $1.70

$3.87 $3.87

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.03 $3.03

$5.06 $5.06

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.22 $1.22

$1.96 $1.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$42.39 $42.39

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.03 $2.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.11 $2.11

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$19.67 $19.67

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.80 $0.80

$0.69 $0.69

$0.90 $0.90

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.8K $25.8K

$35.4K $35.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.1K $24.1K

$23.0K $23.0K

$24.5K $24.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$124 $124

$83.8 $83.8

$246 $246

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$50.6 $50.6

$21.73 $21.73

$98.8 $98.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$60.8 $60.8

$39.97 $39.97

$99.9 $99.9

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$69.1 $69.1

$17.28 $17.28

$69.1 $69.1

Cinema Ticket

$12.12 $12.12

$9.92 $9.92

$14.89 $14.89

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,371 $1,371

$2,003 $2,003

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$11.9K $11.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$64.4 $64.4

$20.33 $20.33

$102 $102

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$61.4 $61.4

$44.21 $44.21

$78.6 $78.6

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$72.3 $72.3

$49.49 $49.49

$148 $148

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$84.7 $84.7

$39.88 $39.88

$99.7 $99.7

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,435 $1,435

$981 $981

$1,717 $1,717

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,625 $1,625

$1,395 $1,395

$1,988 $1,988

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,114 $2,114

$1,631 $1,631

$2,549 $2,549

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,582 $2,582

$1,229 $1,229

$3,934 $3,934

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,122 $2,122

$2,032 $2,032

$2,174 $2,174

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,130 $2,130

$2,039 $2,039

$2,182 $2,182

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,677 $4,677

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.4

6.19

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 3, 2026

Rochester, MN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Rochester, MN - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many coastal hubs and bigger metros, the Cost of Living in Rochester, MN, United States tends to feel steadier and more predictable. Housing options range from walkable downtown flats to calmer neighborhoods a short ride away, with rents generally easier to negotiate for longer stays. Groceries and dining offer variety without the shock of major metro prices. Transportation is practical, with decent public service and bike-friendly routes, and healthcare access is a notable advantage for long-term stays. If you value stability, Rochester often represents solid value without the price volatility found elsewhere. Tip: Plan ahead for seasonal heating costs and explore neighborhoods with good walkability.

Daily life here balances practicality with a slower pace than big metro areas. For housing, look for leases in the downtown core or near campuses and clinics; start with online listings, then walk a few neighborhoods to get a feel for noise, daylight, and parking. Food choices range from farmers markets to reliable grocery stores and casual eateries; you’ll find vegetarian and family-friendly options without pretentious prices. Transit is workable, with bus routes and bike lanes; many digital nomads pair coworking spaces with nearby cafés for errands and meetings. Rochester, MN, United States living cost guidance helps you budget upfront. Tip: Map your everyday routes to minimize backtracking and save time.

Quality of life here comes from a thoughtful budgeting framework rather than a single price tag. Start with core needs – where you sleep, what you eat, and how you move – and then layer in flexible options like shared workspaces, library resources, and seasonal activities. Seasonal seasonality: winters emphasize heating and indoor recreation; summers favor outdoor patios and festivals, which can influence food costs and transit choices. Compare neighborhoods by walkability, access to clinics, and convenience for errands, not just rent. Build a simple saving habit through meal planning and using public services or bike routes for longer trips. Tip: choose a neighborhood that minimizes daily commute and maximizes convenience for your routines.