Cost of Living in Rochester, WA
Population 6,025 · Washington · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rochester sits on the smaller end of the Washington city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Rochester is about 40 miles southwest of Tacoma, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Tacoma's $455,000.
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 $391,600 — 28% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,182/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,754/year is 27% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. Washington charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 60.7°F and lows of 40.4°F, with about 3.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Rochester has a cost of living index of 113 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% more 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 46 | 49 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 71 | 78 | 78 | 72 | 60 | 51 | 45 |
| Low °F | 33 | 32 | 35 | 38 | 43 | 47 | 51 | 51 | 46 | 41 | 36 | 33 |
| Precip" | 7.80 | 5.09 | 5.68 | 3.67 | 2.26 | 1.46 | 0.53 | 0.96 | 2.04 | 5.07 | 8.21 | 7.85 |
| Snow" | 2.0 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rochester, WA?
Rochester has a cost index of 113 (100 = national average). It is 13% above the national average.
What is average rent in Rochester, WA?
The median gross rent in Rochester is $1,182 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $391,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester is $94,754 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rochester, WA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rochester is 9.2%. Washington has no state income tax.
Is Rochester, WA affordable?
Rochester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 113 — about 13% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Rochester has average high temperatures of 60.7°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 50.6". Average annual snowfall is 3.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rochester at a Glance
- Population
- 6,025
- Median Income
- $94,754
- Home Value
- $391,600
- Median Rent
- $1,182/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 9.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Washington Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs