Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Saint Paul, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 10.2% cheaper than Saint Paul, MN. This translates to saving $764 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Saint Paul, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Saint Paul, MN, you'd need approximately $140,833.333 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Saint Paul, MN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 12.0% cheaper than in Saint Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN.

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

Moving from Saint Paul, MN to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $764 per month, or $9167 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Saint Paul, MN vs Raleigh, NC: 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 save $764/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 10.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$764

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.2K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$512K

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Saint Paul, MN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Saint Paul, MN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,807/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $338less	12.0%
🏥Healthcare	$756/mo	$601/mo	↓ $155less	20.5%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $95.62less	6.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$959/mo	↓ $69.95less	6.8%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $66.96less	3.8%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$546/mo	↑ $38.25more	7.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 12.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$338

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 20.5%

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$155

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.9%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$95.62

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.8%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$69.95

less

📦Other

↓ 3.8%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$66.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.5%

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$38.25

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,000

To$1,570

↑ $570

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,640

↑ $440

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,800

↑ $300

3 Bed

From$2,100

To$2,255

↑ $155

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$687

Difference

Home Values

Saint Paul

Raleigh

$274K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +13.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$175K - $452K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 87% more expensive than Saint Paul

Calculate payment - Saint Paul Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$276

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.