Cost of Living in Rochester, IN
Population 6,244 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Rochester a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $136,000. At 8.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Rochester is about 45 miles south of South Bend, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rochester
The median home value in Rochester is $135,900 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $883/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,304/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Rochester has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
Rochester has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rochester, IN?
Rochester has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rochester, IN?
The median gross rent in Rochester is $883 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $135,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester is $60,304 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rochester, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rochester is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Rochester, IN affordable?
Yes, Rochester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
Rochester at a Glance
- Population
- 6,244
- Median Income
- $60,304
- Home Value
- $135,900
- Median Rent
- $883/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs