Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Chicago is 10% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,380/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 10%
$75,134/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 3%
$315,200 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 11%
$1,502/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 7%
2,707,648
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $132/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,584/year.

Median household income is $2,079/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and St. Paul?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $132/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or St. Paul?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $2,079/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Minnesota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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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