Uprootmap
Rochester vs La Crosse
Rochester and La Crosse
Photo: Lacrossewi / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in La Crosse 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 Rochester to La Crosse
In 2022-2023, 92 households filed a move from Rochester to La Crosse (about 147 people, average adjusted gross income $76,043). 89 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,330 in Rochester and $894 in La Crosse. Rochester has a state tax on wages. La Crosse has a state tax on wages. Local pay in La Crosse is 91% of the national level for the same work, against 106% in Rochester.
La Crosse averages 192 sunny days, with July highs around 80°F and January nights around 16°F. Rochester is 195 sunny days, 80°F in July, 15°F in January. Commutes average 21 minutes in La Crosse and 21 in Rochester.
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, 92 households moved Rochester → La Crosse (about 147 people, average AGI $76,043). 89 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 Rochester and La Crosse changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 76 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,600–$3,000
- Container or pod
- $1,050–$2,000
- Rent a truck
- $400–$700
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Dig into La Crosse
Questions
Is La Crosse cheaper than Rochester after tax and rent?
Yes. La Crosse leaves about $353 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,330 in Rochester and $894 in La Crosse.
Does La Crosse have state income tax?
La Crosse is in Wisconsin, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Rochester to La Crosse?
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.