Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

St. Paul is 35% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,248/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 40%
$73,055/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 17%
$280,300 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 96%
$1,390/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 24%
307,762
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $498/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $5,976/year.

Median household income is $12,734/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Lakewood — common questions

Is St. Paul or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Lakewood?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $498/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Lakewood?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $12,734/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Colorado?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Lakewood

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 Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield