Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

St. Paul is 39% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,248/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 52%
$73,055/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 30%
$280,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 91%
$1,390/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 44%
307,762
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $654/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,848/year.

Median household income is $21,758/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Jersey City — common questions

Is St. Paul or Jersey City 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 Jersey City?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $654/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Jersey City?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $21,758/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New Jersey?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Jersey City details →

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