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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Philadelphia is 7% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,323/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 6%
$60,698/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 20%
$232,400 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 21%
$1,233/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 13%
1,582,432
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
1.49%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $12,357/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Philadelphia or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and St. Paul?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or St. Paul?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $12,357/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Minnesota?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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