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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Los Angeles is 105% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,879/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 34%
$80,366/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 9%
$879,500 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 68%
$2,055/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 32%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $631/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,572/year.

Median household income is $7,311/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and St. Paul?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $631/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or St. Paul?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $7,311/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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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