Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Durham, NC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

St. Paul is 13% cheaper than Durham.

$1,248/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 13%
$73,055/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 8%
$280,300 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 27%
$1,390/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 3%
307,762
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $6,179/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Durham — common questions

Is St. Paul or Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Durham?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $6,179/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Durham details →

More Comparisons

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