Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Allentown, PA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

St. Paul is 15% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,248/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 2%
$73,055/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 27%
$280,300 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 33%
$1,390/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 11%
307,762
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $19,652/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Allentown — common questions

Is St. Paul or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Allentown?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Allentown?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $19,652/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Pennsylvania?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

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