Cost of Living in Rochester, MN

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Rochester? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,550 per year — combining federal taxes with Minnesota's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,407/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Rochester metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $42,566, or roughly $3,547 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Rochester metro has a cost of living index of 93.0 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). This gives Rochester a moderate affordability advantage — groceries, dining, and services tend to cost less than the U.S. average.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Rochester represents approximately 24% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.