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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

St. Paul is 60% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,248/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 92%
$73,055/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 51%
$280,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 276%
$1,390/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 77%
307,762
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,147/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $13,764/year.

Median household income is $37,018/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is St. Paul or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,147/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $37,018/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria