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

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Minneapolis is 11% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,329/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 6%
$80,269/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 9%
$345,600 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 19%
$1,513/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 8%
426,845
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.875%
Sales Tax
6.875%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $81/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $972/year.

Median household income is $7,214/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Minnesota.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Minneapolis 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 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $81/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or St. Paul?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $7,214/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Minnesota?
Both cities are in Minnesota and share the same state tax rates: 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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