Moving from Toledo, OH to Rochester, MN
The drive from Toledo, OH to Rochester, MN runs 591 mi β about 11h 8m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
591 mi Β· 11h 8m 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 | South Bend, Chicago, Naperville, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Toledo | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.455 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.285 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 67.317 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Rochester and Toledo is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Rochester is 0.7% above Toledo β $129,627 vs $339,455 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Toledo +5.4%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Toledo | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 34.7" |
Climate cools by 6.6Β°F on the annual average β 51.4Β°F β 44.8Β°F.
Rochester averages 53.1 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Toledo | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,461 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $47,532 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.7% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.27 | 2.4 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 0.7% between Toledo and Rochester (ACS 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
How does household income compare in Toledo vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $47,532 in Toledo β a 84.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Rochester more expensive than Toledo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 0.7% lower than Toledo (90.821 vs 91.455, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Toledo to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 591 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 Rochester compared to Toledo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $129,627 in Toledo β a 161.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Rochester, MN from Toledo, OH?
The driving distance is 591 mi and the route typically takes 11h 8m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Toledo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $45,740 in the Toledo MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 290,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Toledo.
City profiles: Toledo, OH Β· Rochester, MN.