Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Cary, NC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

St. Paul is 33% cheaper than Cary.

$1,248/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 30%
$73,055/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 77%
$280,300 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 87%
$1,390/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 25%
307,762
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $56,344/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Cary — common questions

Is St. Paul or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Cary?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Cary?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $56,344/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Cary

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 Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside