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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Fairfield

California
167

St. Paul is 46% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,248/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 76%
$73,055/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 40%
$280,300 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 111%
$1,390/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 60%
307,762
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $943/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $11,316/year.

Median household income is $29,266/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Fairfield — common questions

Is St. Paul or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Fairfield?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $943/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Fairfield?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $29,266/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Fairfield

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 Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill