Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

St. Paul is 15% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,248/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 1%
$73,055/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 11%
$280,300 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 27%
$1,390/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 16%
307,762
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,863/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Dearborn — common questions

Is St. Paul or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Dearborn?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Dearborn?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $7,863/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Michigan?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

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