Is Saint Paul, MN cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Saint Paul, MN is 0.1% cheaper than Chicago, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Saint Paul, MN to live like I do in Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $149,916.744 in Saint Paul, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Chicago, IL and Saint Paul, MN?

Housing in Saint Paul, MN is 8.5% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Chicago, IL to Saint Paul, MN?

Moving from Chicago, IL to Saint Paul, MN could save you approximately $7 per month, or $83 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chicago, IL vs Saint Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $6.94/month moving to Saint Paul, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.9K in Saint Paul, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$6.94

Savings

Annual Impact

$83.26

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Chicago, IL

Population:2746K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$305K

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:

100

(0% below avg)

Median Home:$274K

Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

2.7M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Architectural landmark city
•Great Lakes location

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyManufacturingTransportation

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 308K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs Saint Paul, MN

Category	Chicago, IL	Saint Paul, MN	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $301less	17.9%
Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,807/mo	↓ $260less	8.5%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$756/mo	↑ $161more	27.1%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $16.74more	1.0%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$508/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Transportation

↓ 17.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Difference

$301

less

Housing

↓ 8.5%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Difference

$260

less

Healthcare

↑ 27.1%

Chicago, IL

$595

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Difference

$161

Other

↑ 1.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Difference

$16.74

All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Chicago, IL

$519

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Difference

$10.93

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,000

↓ $600

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,200

↓ $510

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,500

↓ $425

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,100

↓ $380

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,648

Monthly in Chicago, IL

$8,254

Monthly in Saint Paul, MN

$393

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

Saint Paul

$305K

Median Value

$274K

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.6%

$116K - $611K

Price Range

$175K - $452K

Homes in Saint Paul are 10% less expensive than Chicago

Calculate payment - Chicago Calculate payment - Saint Paul

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$251

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.0%

Rate difference

Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Saint Paul, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

Additional Tax Information

Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.