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

Oakland

California
195
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Oakland is 114% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,917/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 35%
$97,369/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 25%
$924,700 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 70%
$2,164/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 36%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $24,314/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and St. Paul?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or St. Paul?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $24,314/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View St. Paul details →

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