Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Mesquite, TX (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

St. Paul and Mesquite have a similar cost of living.

$1,248/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 13%
$73,055/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 2%
$280,300 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 19%
$1,390/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ≈ Same
307,762
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $1,212/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Mesquite — common questions

Is St. Paul or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Mesquite?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Mesquite?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $1,212/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Texas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Mesquite

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