Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Madison, WI (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

St. Paul is 12% cheaper than Madison.

$1,248/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 9%
$73,055/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↑ 5%
$280,300 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$346,900 ↑ 24%
$1,390/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↑ 6%
307,762
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $116/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,392/year.

Median household income is $3,928/year higher in Madison. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Madison — common questions

Is St. Paul or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Madison?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $116/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Madison?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $3,928/year higher in Madison.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Wisconsin?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Madison details →

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