Moving from Rochester to St. Paul: A Guide
August 27, 2025
Leaving Rochester for St. Paul isn’t just a change of scenery — it’s a new chapter full of opportunities. While Rochester has its own unique charm, St. Paul offers a bigger stage: a capital city vibe, historic neighborhoods, and a thriving economy within the Twin Cities metro.
And here’s a twist you might not expect: despite St. Paul being the bigger city, buying a home there can actually be more affordable than in Rochester.
Add in historic neighborhoods, a buzzing food scene, and easy access to the rest of the Twin Cities, and you’ve got a city that blends professional growth with urban adventure. This guide is designed to help you navigate the transition smoothly.
Why Moving from Rochester to St. Paul Makes Sense
Thinking about leaving Rochester for St. Paul? You’re not alone. Minnesota’s capital offers a unique blend of history, culture, and opportunity that appeals to families, professionals, and students alike. St. Paul boasts charming neighborhoods, a strong job market, top-rated schools, and endless entertainment options—from craft breweries and local eateries to museums and year-round festivals.
Compared to Rochester, St. Paul provides a more urban feel while still maintaining the friendly Midwestern vibe. You’ll also find excellent public transportation, quick access to Minneapolis, and a variety of housing choices to fit any lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking career growth, a vibrant arts scene, or simply a change of pace, moving to St. Paul is a smart step toward a richer Minnesota experience.
- A broader job market in government, education, tech, and business
- Historic neighborhoods alongside modern development
- A lively food and arts scene without the hustle of bigger metros
If you’re ready for new opportunities and a city with more variety, St. Paul is a natural next step.
Cost of Living: Rochester vs. St. Paul
When most people picture a capital city, they assume it’s pricier across the board. But here’s the surprise: St. Paul often beats Rochester on home affordability. St. Paul’s median home prices actually trend lower, meaning you might find it easier to buy your dream house in the city than in Rochester.
Rent is a different story. St. Paul apartments usually cost a little more, especially in popular neighborhoods near transit lines. But when you factor in the ability to live car-lite (or even car-free) thanks to St. Paul’s robust transit network, many professionals find the overall cost of living balances out or even comes in lower.
| Expense | Rochester | St. Paul | Takeaway |
| Median home price | ~$336,942 | ~$297,918 | Expect a slight bump; shopping around pays off. |
| Transit | Car-dependent | Robust transit network | You might save on car costs if you go one-car. |
| Dining and culture | Limited | Wide and diverse | Bigger foodie and nightlife scene in St. Paul. |
Where to Live in St. Paul
Your neighborhood choice will shape your day-to-day life. Some popular areas include:
- Cathedral Hill / Summit Avenue – historic homes, coffee shops, walkability
- Macalester–Groveland – tree-lined streets, near parks and schools
- Highland Park – family-friendly, suburban feel in the city
- Lowertown – lofts, farmer’s market, dining, and nightlife
- St. Anthony Park – quiet and academic, near the University of Minnesota
Getting Around in St. Paul
Unlike Rochester, where a car is almost essential, St. Paul gives you real transit choices:
- Light Rail (Green Line): Connects downtown St. Paul with downtown Minneapolis via University Avenue — ideal if you’re splitting time between the two cities.
- A Line (BRT): Snelling Avenue’s rapid bus provides fast and reliable north-south travel.
- Gold Line (BRT): Opened in 2025, linking St. Paul to Woodbury with dedicated bus lanes.
Off-Hours Life: Food, Culture, and Fun
St. Paul has plenty to do when you’re not working or unpacking:
- Food: Frogtown’s Vietnamese and Hmong cuisine, Lowertown’s breweries and restaurants
- Outdoors: miles of Mississippi River trails for biking or jogging
- Culture: Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center
- Sports: CHS Field (home of the Saints) and easy access to pro sports in Minneapolis
Off-Shift Life: Food, Culture, and Fun
Food: St. Paul’s food scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. Frogtown is famous for authentic Vietnamese and Hmong cuisine, while Lowertown offers trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and cozy coffee shops perfect for unwinding after work.
Outdoors: With miles of scenic Mississippi River trails, you can bike, jog, or simply decompress along the waterfront. Nearby parks provide quiet escapes and spots to meet friends for a weekend picnic.
Culture: Downtown St. Paul is rich in arts and history. Catch a performance at the Ordway, explore interactive exhibits at the Science Museum of Minnesota, or dive into the state’s past at the Minnesota History Center.
Sports: Cheer on the St. Paul Saints at CHS Field or hop over to Minneapolis for pro football, basketball, baseball, and hockey—big-league action is just minutes away.
Whether you’re grabbing global flavors, catching a show, or taking in river views, St. Paul makes it easy to recharge or stay connected to the community when you’re off the clock.
Hiring a Moving Company: Why It’s Worth It
Even though Rochester to St. Paul is just over an hour’s drive, moving can still be stressful.
A professional moving company can save you time, stress, and even money in the long run. Here’s why:
- Efficiency: Movers know how to pack medical books, office equipment, and fragile home items quickly and safely.
- Reliability: You can count on set dates and trained crews instead of juggling borrowed trucks and busy friends.
- Protection: Licensed movers are insured, giving you peace of mind if something unexpected happens en route.
- Flexibility: Many offer full-service packing, short-term storage, or just the muscle for moving day — you choose what fits your budget.
Your 90-Day Plan for Moving From Rochester to St Paul
| Timeframe | Action Items |
|---|---|
| 90–60 days before | Scout neighborhoods, book movers, give notice at work/lease |
| 60–30 days before | Secure housing, start packing, set utility transfer dates |
| 30–7 days before | Change address, update insurance, prepare moving essentials |
| First week in St. Paul | Register the car, explore the neighborhood, and test the commute |
First week in St. Paul:
- Register your car, voter info, and driver’s license.
- Walk or ride your commute to get a feel for it.
- Join local networks: professional and personal hobbies.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving from Rochester to St. Paul
- Leaving licensing too late. It can delay your first day.
- Underestimating traffic and commute times – St. Paul’s urban layout is different, and rush hour can catch you off guard.
- Overlooking neighborhood research – Each area has its own vibe. Visit spots like Highland Park, Lowertown, or Mac-Groveland to see which fits your lifestyle.
- Forgetting to update utilities and services early – Schedule your transfers in advance to avoid gaps in internet, gas, or electricity.
- Ignoring winter prep – Minnesota’s weather is no joke. Be ready for icy moving days or unexpected snow..
- Assuming you need two cars. Try transit first; you might be pleasantly surprised.
Move From Rochester to St Paul with Piepho
Transitioning from Rochester to St. Paul is exciting, but the logistics don’t have to be stressful. Piepho Moving & Storage has helped families and professionals relocate smoothly across Minnesota for decades. With flexible scheduling and careful crews, we will handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying your new city.
Whether you’re moving into a downtown loft, a Highland Park home, or a condo near the Green Line, Piepho makes it simple to get settled. Contact us to get a free quote today.
