Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Hartford, CT (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

St. Paul is 12% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,248/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 2%
$73,055/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 38%
$280,300 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 23%
$1,390/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 8%
307,762
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Hartford, CT, 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 $27,755/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Hartford — common questions

Is St. Paul or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford 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 Hartford?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Hartford?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $27,755/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Connecticut?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

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