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

Irvine

California
256
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Irvine is 165% more expensive than St. Paul.

$2,893/mo ↑ 132%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 57%
$129,647/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 44%
$1,115,400 ↑ 298%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 75%
$2,904/mo ↑ 109%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 52%
308,160
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,645/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $19,740/year.

Median household income is $56,592/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Irvine 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 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and St. Paul?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $1,645/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or St. Paul?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $56,592/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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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