Is Saint Paul, MN cheaper than Madison, WI?

Based on cost of living data, Saint Paul, MN is 2.9% more expensive than Madison, WI. This translates to spending an extra $214 per month.

What salary do I need in Saint Paul, MN to live like I do in Madison, WI?

If you earn $150,000 in Madison, WI, you'd need approximately $152,571.429 in Saint Paul, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Madison, WI and Saint Paul, MN?

Housing in Saint Paul, MN is 1.9% more expensive than in Madison, WI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN compared to $1,835/month in Madison, WI.

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

Living in Saint Paul, MN costs approximately $214 more per month than Madison, WI, or $2571 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Madison, WI vs Saint Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Madison, WI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $214/month more in Saint Paul, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.6K in Saint Paul, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Madison, WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$214

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.6K

Per year

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

Madison, WI

Population:270K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$427K

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$274K

Madison, WI

The Badger State

270K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Wisconsin, this city has a population of 270K residents.

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: Madison, WI vs Saint Paul, MN

Category	Madison, WI	Saint Paul, MN	Difference	Change
Groceries	$959/mo	$1,029/mo	↑ $69.95more	7.3%
Housing	$2,755/mo	$2,807/mo	↑ $51.97more	1.9%
Healthcare	$719/mo	$756/mo	↑ $37.17more	5.2%
Transportation	$1,407/mo	$1,380/mo	↓ $27.32less	1.9%
Other	$1,791/mo	$1,774/mo	↓ $16.74less	0.9%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$508/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Groceries

↑ 7.3%

Madison, WI

$959

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Difference

$69.95

Housing

↑ 1.9%

Madison, WI

$2,755

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Difference

$51.97

Healthcare

↑ 5.2%

Madison, WI

$719

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Difference

$37.17

Transportation

↓ 1.9%

Madison, WI

$1,407

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Difference

$27.32

less

Other

↓ 0.9%

Madison, WI

$1,791

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Difference

$16.74

less

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Madison, WI

$508

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,370

To$1,000

↓ $370

1 Bed

From$1,605

To$1,200

↓ $405

2 Bed

From$1,835

To$1,500

↓ $335

3 Bed

From$2,425

To$2,100

↓ $325

Madison, WIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,360–$1,840/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.

$8,139

Monthly in Madison, WI

$8,254

Monthly in Saint Paul, MN

$115

Difference

Home Values

Madison

Saint Paul

$427K

Median Value

$274K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.6%

$359K - $534K

Price Range

$175K - $452K

Homes in Saint Paul are 36% less expensive than Madison

Calculate payment - Madison Calculate payment - Saint Paul

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.6K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$132

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

Rate difference

Madison, WI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Wisconsin State Tax

Effective: 5.9%

$8.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.6%

$45.9K

Take-Home Pay

$8,678/month

$104.1K

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

Madison, WI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.6%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.