Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Newark, NJ (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

St. Paul is 9% cheaper than Newark.

$1,248/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 7%
$73,055/yr ↑ 51%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 34%
$280,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 21%
$1,390/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 2%
307,762
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.875%
Sales Tax
6.625%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $24,639/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Newark — common questions

Is St. Paul or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Newark?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Newark?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $24,639/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New Jersey?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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