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

Riverside

California
144
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Riverside is 53% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,812/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 31%
$88,575/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 18%
$542,100 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 48%
$1,880/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 26%
316,241
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.875%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $15,520/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Riverside 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 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and St. Paul?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or St. Paul?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $15,520/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View St. Paul details →