Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.4K/month more in St. Paul, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $167.4K in St. Paul, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI area
Overall Cost
19.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,449
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$17.4K
Per year

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

Detroit, MI

Population:639K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$86K

St. Paul, MN

Population:304K
Cost Index:
119
(19% above avg)
Median Home:$274K

Detroit, MI

The Great Lakes State

639K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 639K residents.

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: Detroit, MI vs St. Paul, MN

Housing
73.3%
Detroit, MI
$1,559
St. Paul, MN
$2,703
Difference
$1,143
more
Healthcare
34.1%
Detroit, MI
$564
St. Paul, MN
$756
Difference
$192
more
Transportation
12.2%
Detroit, MI
$1,571
St. Paul, MN
$1,380
Difference
$191
less
Groceries
8.4%
Detroit, MI
$949
St. Paul, MN
$1,029
Difference
$79.94
more
Other
3.0%
Detroit, MI
$1,674
St. Paul, MN
$1,724
Difference
$50.22
more
All Utilities
8.8%
Detroit, MI
$557
St. Paul, MN
$508
Difference
$49.18
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Detroit, MI: Detroit City Income Tax$3,600/yr (2.4%)

St. Paul, MN has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$875
To$1,220
$345
1 Bed
From$975
To$1,380
$405
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$1,680
$455
3 Bed
From$1,495
To$2,225
$730
Detroit, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $830$1,690/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.

$6,875
Monthly in Detroit, MI
$8,100
Monthly in St. Paul, MN
$1,225
Difference

Home Values

Detroit
St. Paul
$86K
Median Value
-
↓ -3.3%
YoY Change
-
↑ +15.3%
5-Year Change
-
$48K - $415K
Price Range
-

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$4.1K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$338
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
2.7%
Rate difference

Detroit, MI

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Michigan State Tax
Effective: 4.3%
$6.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.9%
$43.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,884/month
$106.6K

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

Detroit, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

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.

Environment

Detroit
St. Paul
55 Moderate
Air Quality
36 Good
32.8%
Good Air Days
72.4%
99 High
Climate Risk
95 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.7°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
14 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.7°F
10 days
Heat Days >95°F
14 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Michigan and Minnesota on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Detroit, MI on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to St. Paul, MN

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison