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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Downey

California
169

St. Paul is 46% cheaper than Downey.

$1,248/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 52%
$73,055/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 20%
$280,300 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 160%
$1,390/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 44%
307,762
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $644/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,728/year.

Median household income is $14,345/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Downey — common questions

Is St. Paul or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Downey?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $644/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Downey?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $14,345/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Downey details →

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