Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Atlanta is 34% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,617/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 23%
$81,938/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 11%
$420,600 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 33%
$1,695/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 18%
499,287
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $369/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,428/year.

Median household income is $8,883/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Atlanta or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and St. Paul?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $369/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or St. Paul?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $8,883/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Minnesota?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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