Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Arvada, CO (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

St. Paul is 40% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,248/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 44%
$73,055/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 55%
$280,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 114%
$1,390/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 40%
307,762
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $554/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $6,648/year.

Median household income is $40,341/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Arvada — common questions

Is St. Paul or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Arvada?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $554/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Arvada?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $40,341/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Colorado?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Arvada details →

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