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

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Rochester older or younger than people in Owatonna?
- The Median Age in Rochester is 3.4 years younger than in Owatonna.

Are housing costs cheaper in Rochester or Owatonna?
- Rochester housing costs are 19.8% more expensive than Owatonna housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Rochester or Owatonna?
- The average commute for residents of Rochester is 1.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Owatonna.

Things to do in Owatonna?
Owatonna, Minnesota is a thriving city located in Steele County and renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, lush parks, and small-town charm. It offers plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, from biking along the Straight River Trail to fishing on Lake Owatonna. Visitors can also explore local attractions such as the Owatonna Arts Center or shop at nearby malls such as The Medford Outlet Center. With easy access to Minnesota's Twin Cities metropolitan area and other major cities like Rochester and Albert Lea, Owatonna makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

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!

 Owatonna, MNRochester, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock119,732329,725,481
 Median Income$71,450  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$243,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time17.14  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Owatonna    1 Reviews

OWATONNA, WITH A POPULATION OF LESS THAN 30,000, SITS RIGHT ON US INTERSTATE 35... ONLY 45 MINUTES TO MAYO CLINIC, 45 MINUTES TO MSP/ST PAUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!   More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Owatonna

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Rochester


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.