2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Brainerd, MN vs Rochester, MN

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Highlights
Are people in Rochester older or younger than people in Brainerd?
- The Median Age in Rochester is 0.1 years older than in Brainerd.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rochester or Brainerd?
- Rochester housing costs are 9.4% more expensive than Brainerd housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rochester or Brainerd?
- The average commute for residents of Rochester is 2.7 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Brainerd.

Things to do in Brainerd?
Brainerd, MN is an inviting small city west of Minneapolis full of amazing places to explore like Brainerd International Raceway displaying its unique environment or Northland Arboretum offering fun rides and tour opportunities; they organize vivid festivals like Brainerd Jaycees Street Fest every August.

Things to do in Rochester?
Rochester, Minnesota is a vibrant city located in the heart of the Midwest. Home to the renowned Mayo Clinic and University of Minnesota-Rochester, this city offers plenty to explore. From its variety of shopping options to its multitude of museums and cultural attractions, visitors can experience something unique. Visitors can also take advantage of the area's parks and trails for a breath of fresh air and connect with nature. Whether you're looking for an educational experience or a leisurely weekend getaway, Rochester has something for everyone!

 Brainerd, MNRochester, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock119,732329,725,481
 Median Income$41,671  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$266,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.81  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Brainerd    5 Reviews

Research, research, research! Personal reviews don't give you the "whole" story! Whether the opinions are "glowing" or scathing do not base your opinion on them! Some  More

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No comment since you  More

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Over 14 years ago

Small town. Everyone knows everyone else's business. No work. Located in Crow Wing County and has highest unemployment rate in the state. Poor healthcare. Essentia  More

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Reviews for Rochester    31 Reviews

Roch (and Minnesota) is a great place IF you live off the govt dole; subsidize undesirable things (through generous welfare benefits, lax law enforcement and sentences,  More

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Rochester is very vanilla. As a progressive, this place is not good. The area leans conservative and you'll see Trump signs everywhere... so that tells you the type of  More

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Over 5 years ago

I moved here over 20 years ago from California and I was in shock for the first couple of years that people actually lived in such a cold climate! Winter starts around  More

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