Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

St. Paul is 11% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,248/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 4%
$73,055/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 17%
$280,300 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 18%
$1,390/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 17%
307,762
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $51/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $612/year.

Median household income is $12,108/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Lakeland — common questions

Is St. Paul or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Lakeland?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $51/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Lakeland?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $12,108/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Florida?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Lakeland

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 Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon