Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Berkeley

California
251

St. Paul is 64% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,248/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 70%
$73,055/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 49%
$280,300 ↓ 79%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 382%
$1,390/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 68%
307,762
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $879/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $10,548/year.

Median household income is $35,503/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making St. Paul slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Berkeley — common questions

Is St. Paul or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Berkeley?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $879/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Berkeley?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $35,503/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Berkeley details →

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