Is Denver, CO cheaper than Saint Paul, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Denver, CO is 1.9% more expensive than Saint Paul, MN. This translates to spending an extra $139 per month.

What salary do I need in Denver, CO to live like I do in Saint Paul, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Saint Paul, MN, you'd need approximately $151,666.667 in Denver, CO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Saint Paul, MN and Denver, CO?

Housing in Denver, CO is 15.7% more expensive than in Saint Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,190/month in Denver, CO compared to $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN.

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

Living in Denver, CO costs approximately $139 more per month than Saint Paul, MN, or $1667 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Saint Paul, MN vs Denver, CO: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Saint Paul, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $139/month more in Denver, CO

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.7K in Denver, CO

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$139

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.7K

Per year

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

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$274K

Denver, CO

Population:716K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$513K

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Denver, CO

The Centennial State

716K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid

Notable Facts

•Mile-high city (5,280 ft)
•Outdoor recreation hub
•Major cannabis market

Major Industries

AerospaceTechnologyEnergyTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Saint Paul, MN vs Denver, CO

Category	Saint Paul, MN	Denver, CO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,807/mo	$3,248/mo	↑ $442more	15.7%
🏥Healthcare	$756/mo	$632/mo	↓ $124less	16.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,462/mo	↑ $81.96more	5.9%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$519/mo	↑ $10.93more	2.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,029/mo	→ $0	0.0%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,774/mo	→ $0	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.7%

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Denver, CO

$3,248

Difference

$442

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.4%

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Denver, CO

$632

Difference

$124

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 5.9%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Denver, CO

$1,462

Difference

$81.96

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.2%

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Denver, CO

$519

Difference

$10.93

🛒Groceries

→ 0.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Denver, CO

$1,029

Difference

same

📦Other

→ 0.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Denver, CO

$1,774

Difference

same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Denver, CO: Denver Head Tax ($5.75/mo, negligible)$69.00/yr (0.0%)

Saint 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$1,000

To$1,720

↑ $720

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,840

↑ $640

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$2,190

↑ $690

3 Bed

From$2,100

To$2,870

↑ $770

Denver, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$2,540/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 Saint Paul, MN

$8,665

Monthly in Denver, CO

$411

Difference

Home Values

Saint Paul

Denver

$274K

Median Value

$513K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4.2%

↑ +13.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +13%

$175K - $452K

Price Range

$352K - $933K

Homes in Denver are 87% more expensive than Saint Paul

Calculate payment - Saint Paul Calculate payment - Denver

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$319

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.6%

Rate difference

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

Denver, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

Additional Tax Information

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Denver, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

💡 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.