Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Denver is 62% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,770/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 29%
$91,681/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 20%
$586,700 ↑ 109%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 52%
$1,839/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 24%
713,734
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
9.85%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.51%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $18,626/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Denver 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 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and St. Paul?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or St. Paul?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $18,626/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Minnesota?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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