Is St. Paul, MN cheaper than Minneapolis, MN?

Based on cost of living data, St. Paul, MN is 2.8% cheaper than Minneapolis, MN. This translates to saving $208 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Minneapolis, MN, you'd need approximately $147,500 in St. Paul, MN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in St. Paul, MN is 3.7% cheaper than in Minneapolis, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,680/month in St. Paul, MN compared to $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN.

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

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to St. Paul, MN could save you approximately $208 per month, or $2500 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Minneapolis, MN vs St. 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 Minneapolis, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $208/month moving to St. Paul, MN

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.5K in St. Paul, MN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$208

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.5K

Per year

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

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$308K

St. Paul, MN

Population:304K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$274K

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 430K 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: Minneapolis, MN vs St. Paul, MN

Category	Minneapolis, MN	St. Paul, MN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,807/mo	$2,703/mo	↓ $104less	3.7%
Other	$1,774/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $50.22less	2.8%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,380/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$508/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$756/mo	$756/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↓ 3.7%

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

St. Paul, MN

$2,703

Difference

$104

less

Other

↓ 2.8%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

St. Paul, MN

$1,724

Difference

$50.22

less

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

St. Paul, MN

$1,029

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

St. Paul, MN

$1,380

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Minneapolis, MN

$508

St. Paul, MN

$508

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Minneapolis, MN

$756

St. Paul, MN

$756

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,240

To$1,220

↓ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,400

To$1,380

↓ $20.00

2 Bed

From$1,700

To$1,680

↓ $20.00

3 Bed

From$2,250

To$2,225

↓ $25.00

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/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.

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$8,100

Monthly in St. Paul, MN

$154

Difference

Home Values

Minneapolis

St. Paul

$308K

Median Value

↑ +1%

YoY Change

↑ +8.2%

5-Year Change

$152K - $469K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Minneapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Minneapolis, 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

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

Minneapolis, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

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.