Everyone is always complaining about Rochester and I don't get the hate. The number one complaint always seems to be the price of living here. Is Rochester truly an expensive city to live in?

Everyone's top complaint is housing. Rent is high in Rochester but it's much higher in other parts of the state and across the country. The cost of renting a 3-bedroom house in Rochester is $1154, which is lower than the statewide average of $1262, and much lower than the national average which is $1379. The average rent for a 4-bedroom in the US is $1601 -In Rochester it's $1346.

The cost of living indices from bestplaces.net are based on an average score of 100. They explain, "An amount below 100 means the city is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means the city is more expensive."

Rochester's score was 101.10. Just above the national average.

We're spending way more than the national average in two major categories - Healthcare and utilities. Here's how we scored in all major categories:

Grocery 93.8
Health 109
Housing 96
Utilities 118
Transportation 104

A similar report was published by areavibes.com. Their report indicated the cost of living in Rochester is 9% lower than the Minnesota average and the cost of housing here is 10% lower than the national average.

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