Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Alexandria, VA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

St. Paul is 47% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,248/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 63%
$73,055/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 56%
$280,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 149%
$1,390/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 56%
307,762
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $783/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $9,396/year.

Median household income is $40,583/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Alexandria — common questions

Is St. Paul or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Alexandria?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $783/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Alexandria?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $40,583/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Virginia?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

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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 Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen