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

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

Are housing costs cheaper in Brainerd or Rochester?
- Brainerd housing costs are 8.6% less expensive than Rochester housing costs.

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

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!

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.

 Rochester, MNBrainerd, MNUnited States
 Population  Unlock14,053329,725,481
 Median Income$79,159  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock3638.4
 Avg. Home Price$291,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock6.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time16.15  Unlock26.38
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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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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