Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Houston is 3% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,313/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 5%
$62,894/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 16%
$253,400 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 11%
$1,316/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 6%
2,300,419
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.6%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $10,161/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Houston residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Houston or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and St. Paul?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or St. Paul?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $10,161/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Minnesota?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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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