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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

San Francisco is 193% more expensive than St. Paul.

$2,419/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 48%
$141,446/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 48%
$1,380,500 ↑ 393%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 80%
$2,620/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 47%
836,321
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,171/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $14,052/year.

Median household income is $68,391/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 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 Francisco vs St. Paul — common questions

Is San Francisco 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 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and St. Paul?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $1,171/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or St. Paul?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $68,391/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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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