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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

St. Paul is 48% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,248/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 58%
$73,055/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 23%
$280,300 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 173%
$1,390/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 45%
307,762
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $723/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $8,676/year.

Median household income is $17,111/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is St. Paul or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Garden Grove?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $723/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $17,111/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Garden 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 Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins