Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

St. Paul is 19% cheaper than Anchorage.

$1,248/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 16%
$73,055/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 34%
$280,300 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$375,900 ↑ 34%
$1,390/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↑ 22%
307,762
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $25,097/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Anchorage — common questions

Is St. Paul or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Anchorage?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Anchorage?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $25,097/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Alaska?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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