Photo by Cody Otto on Unsplash (https://unsplash.com/@codyotto507)
Rochester, Minnesota Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Rochester, Minnesota at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $273,900
- State Income Tax
- State income tax; Social Security and retirement income have income-based partial exemptions.
- Avg January Low
- 7.4°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 97.5 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 46 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Rochester, Minnesota, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Rochester's cost of living is 2.5% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Rochester using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$593
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$666
Median home price used: $273,900
Median rent reference: $1,240 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Rochester, Minnesota after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Rochester scores 29.2 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Rochester
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Rochester →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Minnesota has a tax environment that is moderate for retirees.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 274 sunny days a year and an average January low of 7.4°F, Rochester offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Rochester
What is the cost of living in Rochester, Minnesota for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 98, roughly 3% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $273,900.
Does Minnesota tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Minnesota residents: State income tax; Social Security and retirement income have income-based partial exemptions.
What is the climate like in Rochester, Minnesota?▾
Rochester, Minnesota has January average low around 7°F, July average high around 82°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Rochester, Minnesota?▾
Rochester scores 29/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a limited score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).
Local Professionals
Financial Advisors
FORTRESS FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC
STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC.
STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC.
+35 more financial advisors available