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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

St. Paul is 64% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,248/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 115%
$73,055/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 91%
$280,300 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 313%
$1,390/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 102%
307,762
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,430/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $17,160/year.

Median household income is $66,271/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is St. Paul or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Carlsbad?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,430/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $66,271/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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