Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Seattle is 115% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,998/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 38%
$121,984/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 40%
$912,100 ↑ 225%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 69%
$2,220/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 37%
741,440
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.92%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $750/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $9,000/year.

Median household income is $48,929/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and St. Paul?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $750/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or St. Paul?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $48,929/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Minnesota?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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