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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Hayward

California
200

St. Paul is 55% cheaper than Hayward.

$1,248/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,360/mo ↑ 89%
$73,055/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$113,775/yr ↑ 56%
$280,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$820,700 ↑ 193%
$1,390/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,420/mo ↑ 74%
307,762
Population
159,201

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Hayward, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,112/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $13,344/year.

Median household income is $40,720/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $820,700 in Hayward.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Hayward — common questions

Is St. Paul or Hayward cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Hayward?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Hayward it's $2,360/month — a difference of $1,112/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Hayward?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $113,775 in Hayward. Median household income is $40,720/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Hayward has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,360/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Hayward details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Hayward

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 Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro