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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

St. Paul is 60% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,248/mo ↓ 49%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 94%
$73,055/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 64%
$280,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 274%
$1,390/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 75%
307,762
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,176/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $14,112/year.

Median household income is $46,830/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is St. Paul or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $1,176/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $46,830/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Huntington Beach details →

More Comparisons

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