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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

St. Paul is 46% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,248/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 75%
$73,055/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 67%
$280,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 115%
$1,390/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 60%
307,762
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $932/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $11,184/year.

Median household income is $49,174/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is St. Paul or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Elk Grove?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $932/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $49,174/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Elk Grove

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 Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem