Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Mesa is 18% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,478/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 16%
$78,779/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 7%
$364,300 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 23%
$1,404/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ≈ Same
507,478
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $230/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,760/year.

Median household income is $5,724/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Mesa 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 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and St. Paul?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $230/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or St. Paul?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $5,724/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Minnesota?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View St. Paul details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and St. Paul

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro