Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Rochester, MN
Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Rochester, MN covers 87 mi and about 1h 53m by car through 1 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
87 mi Β· 1h 53m by car Β· MN
Distance & route
| Route through | MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 52, MN 55, CR 14 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 104.822 to 90.821, putting Rochester roughly 13.4% below Minneapolis on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $330,882 vs $339,455 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 33 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.4 |
Median household income in Rochester is 13.4% above Minneapolis ($80,269 β $87,767, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 87 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 2.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Rochester more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 13.4% lower than Minneapolis (90.821 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Rochester, MN from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 87 mi and the route typically takes 1h 53m via US 52 and MN 55. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 9.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Rochester, MN.