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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Portland is 52% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,596/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 22%
$88,792/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 18%
$557,600 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 50%
$1,771/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 22%
642,715
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
9.85%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $15,737/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and St. Paul?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or St. Paul?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $15,737/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Minnesota?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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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