Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Abilene, TX (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

St. Paul is 28% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,248/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 11%
$73,055/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 14%
$280,300 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 36%
$1,390/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 20%
307,762
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $10,335/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Abilene — common questions

Is St. Paul or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Abilene?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Abilene?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $10,335/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Texas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Abilene

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland