Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

St. Paul is 32% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,248/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 15%
$73,055/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 6%
$280,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 119%
$1,390/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 5%
307,762
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $4,677/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is St. Paul or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $4,677/year higher in St. Paul.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View East Los Angeles details →

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