Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

St. Paul is 62% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,248/mo ↓ 54%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 120%
$73,055/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 73%
$280,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 271%
$1,390/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 89%
307,762
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,494/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $17,928/year.

Median household income is $53,414/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Cambridge — common questions

Is St. Paul or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Cambridge?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,494/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Cambridge?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $53,414/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Massachusetts?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Cambridge details →

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