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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Phoenix is 20% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,458/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 14%
$77,041/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 5%
$381,900 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 27%
$1,430/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 3%
1,624,832
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $3,986/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and St. Paul?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or St. Paul?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $3,986/year higher in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View St. Paul details →

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