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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Fontana

California
146

St. Paul is 38% cheaper than Fontana.

$1,248/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,733/mo ↑ 39%
$73,055/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$98,187/yr ↑ 34%
$280,300 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$558,500 ↑ 99%
$1,390/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,990/mo ↑ 43%
307,762
Population
211,921

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Fontana, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 146 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $25,132/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $558,500 in Fontana.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Fontana — common questions

Is St. Paul or Fontana cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Fontana?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Fontana it's $1,733/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Fontana?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $98,187 in Fontana. Median household income is $25,132/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Fontana has a cost index of 146 with rent of $1,733/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Fontana details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Fontana

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