Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Boston is 93% more expensive than St. Paul.

$2,093/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 40%
$94,755/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 23%
$710,400 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 61%
$2,176/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 36%
663,972
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.15%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $845/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $10,140/year.

Median household income is $21,700/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Boston 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and St. Paul?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $845/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or St. Paul?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $21,700/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Minnesota?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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