Moving from Cleveland, OH to Rochester, MN
Relocating 694 mi from Cleveland to Rochester is a 12h 58m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
694 mi Β· 12h 58m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Cleveland and Rochester sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $115,537 in Cleveland to $339,455 in Rochester, a 3.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 34.7" |
Expect 7.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Rochester sees 53.1 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.4 |
Expect median household income to rise 3.3% β $39,187 β $87,767 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rochester more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 3.3% lower than Cleveland (90.821 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 193.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 694 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Cleveland vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 124.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Rochester, MN from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 694 mi and the route typically takes 12h 58m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Rochester, MN.