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

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

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

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

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

Housing in Minneapolis, MN is 3.8% more expensive than in St. Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,700/month in Minneapolis, MN compared to $1,680/month in St. Paul, MN.

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

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

St. Paul, MN vs Minneapolis, MN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in St. Paul, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

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

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.6K in Minneapolis, MN

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

St. Paul, MN

Population:304K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Minneapolis, MN

Population:430K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$308K

St. Paul, MN

The North Star State

304K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 304K residents.

Minneapolis, MN

The North Star State

430K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 430K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: St. Paul, MN vs Minneapolis, MN

Category	St. Paul, MN	Minneapolis, MN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,703/mo	$2,807/mo	↑ $104more	3.8%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $50.22more	2.9%
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

↑ 3.8%

St. Paul, MN

$2,703

Minneapolis, MN

$2,807

Difference

$104

Other

↑ 2.9%

St. Paul, MN

$1,724

Minneapolis, MN

$1,774

Difference

$50.22

Groceries

→ 0.0%

St. Paul, MN

$1,029

Minneapolis, MN

$1,029

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

St. Paul, MN

$1,380

Minneapolis, MN

$1,380

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

St. Paul, MN

$508

Minneapolis, MN

$508

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

St. Paul, MN

$756

Minneapolis, MN

$756

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,220

To$1,240

↑ $20.00

1 Bed

From$1,380

To$1,400

↑ $20.00

2 Bed

From$1,680

To$1,700

↑ $20.00

3 Bed

From$2,225

To$2,250

↑ $25.00

St. Paul, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,680/mo

Minneapolis, MNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$2,100/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.

$8,100

Monthly in St. Paul, MN

$8,254

Monthly in Minneapolis, MN

$154

Difference

Home Values

St. Paul

Minneapolis

Median Value

$308K

YoY Change

↑ +1%

5-Year Change

↑ +8.2%

Price Range

$152K - $469K

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

St. Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Minneapolis, 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.