Moving from Rochester, MN to South Bend, IN
The 441 mi from Rochester to South Bend translate to about 8h 24m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
441 mi Β· 8h 24m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
South Bend and Rochester are close on the overall BEA RPP (90.821 vs 92.858); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: South Bend typical home at $192,340 is 2.2% under Rochester at $339,455 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 40.9" |
Climate warms by 5.0Β°F on the annual average β 44.8Β°F β 49.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.5 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.2% between Rochester and South Bend (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is South Bend, IN from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 441 mi and the route typically takes 8h 24m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 129,890 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is South Bend more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 2.2% higher than Rochester (92.858 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 441 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 South Bend compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 43.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 40.2% lower 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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· South Bend, IN.