Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Lansing, MI (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

St. Paul is 57% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,248/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 22%
$73,055/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 29%
$280,300 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 57%
$1,390/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 30%
307,762
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $20,885/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Lansing — common questions

Is St. Paul or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Lansing?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Lansing?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $20,885/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Michigan?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

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