Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

St. Paul is 34% cheaper than Fort Collins.

$1,248/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 33%
$73,055/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↑ 14%
$280,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 96%
$1,390/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↑ 22%
307,762
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $413/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,956/year.

Median household income is $10,543/year higher in Fort Collins. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is St. Paul or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Fort Collins?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $413/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $10,543/year higher in Fort Collins.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Colorado?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Fort Collins details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Fort Collins

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