Is St. Paul, MN cheaper than Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, St. Paul, MN is 2.9% cheaper than Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $215 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $147,419.056 in St. Paul, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in St. Paul, MN is 11.9% cheaper than in Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,680/month in St. Paul, MN compared to $1,925/month in Chicago, IL.

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

Moving from Chicago, IL to St. Paul, MN could save you approximately $215 per month, or $2581 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Chicago, IL vs St. 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 $215/month moving to St. Paul, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.4K in St. Paul, MN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$215

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.6K

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

St. Paul, MN

Population:304K

Cost Index:

(3% 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

St. Paul, MN

The North Star State

304K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 304K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Chicago, IL vs St. Paul, MN

Category	Chicago, IL	St. Paul, MN	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,066/mo	$2,703/mo	↓ $364less	11.9%
Transportation	$1,680/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $301less	17.9%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$756/mo	↑ $161more	27.1%
Other	$1,758/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $33.48less	1.9%
All Utilities	$519/mo	$508/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.1%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 11.9%

Chicago, IL

$3,066

St. Paul, MN

$2,703

Difference

$364

less

Transportation

↓ 17.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,680

St. Paul, MN

$1,380

Difference

$301

less

Healthcare

↑ 27.1%

Chicago, IL

$595

St. Paul, MN

$756

Difference

$161

Other

↓ 1.9%

Chicago, IL

$1,758

St. Paul, MN

$1,724

Difference

$33.48

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.1%

Chicago, IL

$519

St. Paul, MN

$508

Difference

$10.93

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Chicago, IL

$1,029

St. Paul, MN

$1,029

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,220

↓ $380

1 Bed

From$1,710

To$1,380

↓ $330

2 Bed

From$1,925

To$1,680

↓ $245

3 Bed

From$2,480

To$2,225

↓ $255

Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,140–$2,370/mo

St. Paul, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,680/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

$8,100

Monthly in St. Paul, MN

$548

Difference

Home Values

Chicago

St. Paul

$305K

Median Value

↑ +1.8%

YoY Change

↑ +10.2%

5-Year Change

$116K - $611K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Chicago

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

St. 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%

St. 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.