Cost of Living in Rochester, WI

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B-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Rochester Wisconsin National
Cost of living11196100
Groceries9999100
Health care9698100
Housing13889100
Transportation10198100
Utilities103101100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items9999100
Education & Childcare9998100
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Homes For Sale In Rochester, WI

property for sale

607 Stephanie St

Burlington, WI
property for sale

30936 Royal Hill Rd

Burlington, WI
property for sale

225 Ridgeline Rd

Burlington, WI
property for sale

Lt1 Oak Knoll Rd

Rochester, WI

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rochester is 16% higher than the Wisconsin average
  • The cost of living in Rochester is 11% higher than the national average
  • Rochester housing is 38% higher than the national average
  • Wisconsin general sales tax is 2% lower than the national average
  • Wisconsin state income tax is 36% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Rochester

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Compare Rochester, WI Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$161,223$13,435$3,762$4,837
      Renters$52,074$4,340$1,215$1,562
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Rochester, WI, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Rochester homeowners, is $161,223. This would allow for a maximum of $3,762 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $52,074 which would result in a maximum of $1,215 to be spent on rental costs.

      Wisconsin Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wisconsin 5% 6.75%

      Wisconsin Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wisconsin 3.54% 7.65%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Ivanhoe, WI408945.7%
      Springfield, WI135963.8%
      Camp Lake, WI4,340973.2%
      Eagle Lake, WI1,043982.4%
      Paddock Lake, WI3,136981.7%
      Rochester, WI3,93211110.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Booneville, AR3,9318119.5%
      Scott AFB, IL3,93111514.8%
      Vidalia, LA3,933909.7%
      Woodbridge, CA3,93014343.5%
      Avenue B and C, AZ3,929919.0%
      Rochester, WI3,93211110.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
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