Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Fresno is 11% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,324/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 6%
$66,804/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 9%
$348,500 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 20%
$1,391/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ≈ Same
543,615
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $6,251/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making St. Paul slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Fresno 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 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and St. Paul?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or St. Paul?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $6,251/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between California and Minnesota?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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.
View Fresno details → View St. Paul details →

More Comparisons

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