Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Modesto, CA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Modesto

California
120

St. Paul is 24% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,248/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 29%
$73,055/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 7%
$280,300 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 48%
$1,390/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 16%
307,762
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $361/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,332/year.

Median household income is $4,844/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making St. Paul slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Modesto — common questions

Is St. Paul or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Modesto?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $361/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Modesto?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $4,844/year higher in Modesto.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Modesto

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