Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Chattanooga, TN (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Chattanooga

Tennessee
81

St. Paul is 12% more expensive than Chattanooga.

$1,248/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,155/mo ↓ 7%
$73,055/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$61,028/yr ↓ 16%
$280,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$259,200 ↓ 8%
$1,390/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,112/mo ↓ 20%
307,762
Population
182,832

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.64%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Chattanooga, TN, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Chattanooga, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $12,027/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $259,200 in Chattanooga.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Chattanooga — common questions

Is St. Paul or Chattanooga cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chattanooga is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Chattanooga?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Chattanooga it's $1,155/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Chattanooga?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $61,028 in Chattanooga. Median household income is $12,027/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Tennessee?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Chattanooga?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Chattanooga has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,155/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Chattanooga details →

More Comparisons

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