Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Detroit is 42% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,034/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 21%
$39,575/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 85%
$76,800 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 265%
$868/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 60%
636,644
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.38%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $33,480/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Detroit or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and St. Paul?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or St. Paul?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $33,480/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Minnesota?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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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