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

San Jose

California
254
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

San Jose is 179% more expensive than St. Paul.

$2,617/mo ↑ 110%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 52%
$141,565/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 48%
$1,187,800 ↑ 324%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 76%
$2,775/mo ↑ 100%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 50%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,369/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $16,428/year.

Median household income is $68,510/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs St. Paul — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and St. Paul?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $1,369/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or St. Paul?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $68,510/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View St. Paul details →

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