Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Independence, MO (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

St. Paul is 36% more expensive than Independence.

$1,248/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 15%
$73,055/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 19%
$280,300 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 41%
$1,390/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 25%
307,762
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $187/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $2,244/year.

Median household income is $13,575/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Independence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Independence — common questions

Is St. Paul or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Independence?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $187/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Independence?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $13,575/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Missouri?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Independence

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 Independence vs. College Station Independence vs. Rochester Independence vs. Clovis Independence vs. Lafayette Independence vs. Arvada Independence vs. Ann Arbor