Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Kent, WA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Kent

Washington
145

St. Paul is 37% cheaper than Kent.

$1,248/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 47%
$73,055/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 24%
$280,300 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 92%
$1,390/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 38%
307,762
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $585/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,020/year.

Median household income is $17,361/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Kent — common questions

Is St. Paul or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Kent?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $585/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Kent?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $17,361/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Washington?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Kent

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 Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights