Moving from Rochester, MN to Spokane Valley, WA
It is 1419 mi between Rochester and Spokane Valley β roughly 24h 26m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 6 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1419 mi Β· 24h 26m by car Β· MN β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β SD β WY β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, US 212, MT 59 |
| Major cities en route | Sioux Falls, Billings, Spokane |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Spokane Valley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 100.346 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 91.196 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 105.028 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 97.059 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 10.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 10.5% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $339,455 to $408,888 moving to Spokane Valley.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Spokane Valley +0.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 17.4" |
Annual temperature rises 5.0Β°F moving to Spokane Valley per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Spokane Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 105,460 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $70,722 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 37.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 16.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.47 |
Households in Spokane Valley earn about 10.5% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Spokane Valley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 31,380 | $46,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 23,780 | $38,530 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 22,620 | $44,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 22,480 | $35,500 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,820 | $95,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington'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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- 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 Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Spokane Valley more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Spokane Valley is 10.5% higher than Rochester (100.346 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Spokane Valley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1419 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Spokane Valley compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,920 in the Spokane Valley MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 255,160 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Spokane Valley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,722 in Spokane Valley vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 19.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Spokane Valley compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $408,888 in Spokane Valley vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 20.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Spokane Valley, WA from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 1419 mi and the route typically takes 24h 26m via I 90 and US 212. The trip crosses 6 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· Spokane Valley, WA.