Cost of Living in Rochester, IL

Population 3,784 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

88
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Rochester is a smaller Illinois community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $112,689 and housing costs ($242,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Rochester sits roughly 5 miles southeast of Springfield — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than Springfield's $155,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 79
Rent 101

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Rochester

The median home value in Rochester is $241,900 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,333/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $112,689/year is 51% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Rochester has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$241,900
21% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$248,114
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,333/mo
1% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$651
1 BR
$741
2 BR
$899
3 BR
$1,196
4 BR
$1,364
Owner-occupied 96.0%
Renter-occupied 4.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,333
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,947/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.2 min
25% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.9%
Carpooled
6.9%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
15.7%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.7%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 2.5%
Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$112,689
51% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,562
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
25% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Labor Force Participation
59.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.4%
Graduate degree 17.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.2
Male median age 36.7
Female median age 43

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 51 — Moderate
49.9%
Good air days/yr
247
Max AQI recorded
253
PM2.5 days
112
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rochester, IL?

Rochester has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rochester, IL?

The median gross rent in Rochester is $1,333 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rochester?

The median home value in Rochester is $241,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rochester?

The median household income in Rochester is $112,689 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rochester, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rochester is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Rochester, IL affordable?

Yes, Rochester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.

Rochester at a Glance

Population
3,784
Median Income
$112,689
Home Value
$241,900
Median Rent
$1,333/mo
Unemployment
3.6%
Sales Tax
8.7%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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