Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

St. Paul is 25% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,248/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 24%
$73,055/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 11%
$280,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 55%
$1,390/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 18%
307,762
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $304/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $3,648/year.

Median household income is $8,034/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is St. Paul or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $304/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $8,034/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Michigan?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Ann Arbor details →

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