Moving from Rochester, MN to Cleveland, OH
Relocating 694 mi from Rochester to Cleveland 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
| Rochester | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
3.4% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 33.3" |
Expect 7.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.18 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.4% β $87,767 β $39,187 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
Is Cleveland more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 3.4% higher than Rochester (93.923 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 55.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Cleveland?
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 much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 66.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Rochester, MN?
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 Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Cleveland, OH.