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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

St. Paul is 55% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,248/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 82%
$73,055/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 92%
$280,300 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 209%
$1,390/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 74%
307,762
Population
235,463

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
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,027/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $12,324/year.

Median household income is $67,105/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Arlington — common questions

Is St. Paul or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Arlington?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,027/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Arlington?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $67,105/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

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