Uprootmap
Madison vs Rochester
Madison and Rochester
Photo: Wikideas1 / Wikimedia, CC0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Rochester are under the US rate in this release, 2.2 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Madison to Rochester
In 2022-2023, 57 households filed a move from Madison to Rochester (about 93 people, average adjusted gross income $91,912). 49 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,330 in Madison and $1,330 in Rochester. Madison has a state tax on wages. Rochester has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Rochester is 106% of the national level for the same work, against 100% in Madison.
Rochester averages 195 sunny days, with July highs around 80°F and January nights around 15°F. Madison is 188 sunny days, 82°F in July, 12°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in Rochester and 21 in Madison.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 57 households moved Madison → Rochester (about 93 people, average AGI $91,912). 49 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Madison and Rochester changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 179 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,700–$3,200
- Container or pod
- $1,150–$2,200
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
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Dig into Rochester
Questions
Is Rochester cheaper than Madison after tax and rent?
Yes. Rochester leaves about $106 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,330 in Madison and $1,330 in Rochester.
Does Rochester have state income tax?
Rochester is in Minnesota, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Madison to Rochester?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.