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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

St. Paul is 49% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,248/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 70%
$73,055/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 44%
$280,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 149%
$1,390/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 68%
307,762
Population
275,030

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
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $874/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $10,488/year.

Median household income is $32,118/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is St. Paul or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Chula Vista?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $874/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $32,118/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Chula Vista details →

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