Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

St. Paul is 64% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,248/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 101%
$73,055/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 121%
$280,300 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 329%
$1,390/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 86%
307,762
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,257/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $15,084/year.

Median household income is $88,245/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Bellevue — common questions

Is St. Paul or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Bellevue?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,257/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Bellevue?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $88,245/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Washington?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Bellevue

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet