Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Austin is 47% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,655/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 25%
$91,461/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 20%
$512,700 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 45%
$1,747/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 20%
967,862
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $18,406/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Austin 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 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and St. Paul?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or St. Paul?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $18,406/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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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