Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

St. Paul is 13% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,248/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 23%
$73,055/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 12%
$280,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 16%
$1,390/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↑ 2%
307,762
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $8,615/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Clearwater — common questions

Is St. Paul or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Clearwater?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Clearwater?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $8,615/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Florida?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Clearwater

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 Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville