Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

St. Paul is 19% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,248/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 17%
$73,055/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 13%
$280,300 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 40%
$1,390/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 11%
307,762
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $215/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,580/year.

Median household income is $9,181/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is St. Paul or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Elizabeth?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $215/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $9,181/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New Jersey?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Elizabeth

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 Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland