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

San Diego

California
197
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

San Diego is 116% more expensive than St. Paul.

$2,223/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 44%
$104,321/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 30%
$848,500 ↑ 203%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 67%
$2,308/mo ↑ 66%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 40%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $975/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $11,700/year.

Median household income is $31,266/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs St. Paul — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and St. Paul?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $975/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or St. Paul?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $31,266/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View St. Paul details →

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