Cost of Living: New York, NY vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

New York

New York
166
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

New York is 82% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,779/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 30%
$79,713/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 8%
$751,700 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 63%
$1,837/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 24%
8,516,202
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.62%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New York, NY and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 166 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $6,658/year higher in New York. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New York is $751,700 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New York vs St. Paul — common questions

Is New York 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 166 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New York and St. Paul?
Median rent in New York is $1,779/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, New York or St. Paul?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $6,658/year higher in New York.
How do taxes compare between New York and Minnesota?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to New York or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. New York has a cost index of 166 with median rent of $1,779/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 New York details → View St. Paul details →

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