Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

St. Paul is 12% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,248/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 3%
$73,055/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 38%
$280,300 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 16%
$1,390/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 16%
307,762
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $27,444/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Gainesville residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Gainesville — common questions

Is St. Paul or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Gainesville?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $34/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Gainesville?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $27,444/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Florida?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Gainesville

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 Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia