Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

St. Paul is 39% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,248/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 62%
$73,055/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 66%
$280,300 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 85%
$1,390/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 37%
307,762
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $780/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $9,360/year.

Median household income is $48,296/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Gilbert — common questions

Is St. Paul or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Gilbert?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $780/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Gilbert?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $48,296/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Arizona?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Gilbert details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Gilbert

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 Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo