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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Sacramento is 45% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,694/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 26%
$83,753/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 13%
$484,600 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 42%
$1,752/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 21%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $10,698/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and St. Paul?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or St. Paul?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $10,698/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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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