Cost of Living in Rochester, WI
Population 3,780 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rochester is a smaller Wisconsin community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $104,429 and housing costs ($341,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 1.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Rochester is about 25 miles southwest of Milwaukee, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 98% higher than Milwaukee's $172,000.
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 $340,900 — 12% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $920/month, 30% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $104,429/year is 40% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 58.7°F and lows of 39.7°F. Overall, Rochester has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31 | 35 | 45 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 63 | 49 | 37 |
| Low °F | 16 | 19 | 28 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 43 | 32 | 22 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 1.07 | 2.03 | 3.63 | 3.52 | 3.69 | 3.35 | 3.56 | 3.36 | 2.90 | 2.05 | 1.53 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rochester, WI?
Rochester has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.
What is average rent in Rochester, WI?
The median gross rent in Rochester is $920 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rochester?
The median home value in Rochester is $340,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Rochester?
The median household income in Rochester is $104,429 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rochester, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rochester is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Rochester, WI affordable?
Rochester is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Rochester?
Rochester has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 39.7°F. Annual precipitation is 31.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rochester at a Glance
- Population
- 3,780
- Median Income
- $104,429
- Home Value
- $340,900
- Median Rent
- $920/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wisconsin Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs