Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

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

$1,248/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ≈ Same
$73,055/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↓ 12%
$280,300 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$271,900 ↓ 3%
$1,390/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↓ 2%
307,762
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,038/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Norfolk slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Norfolk — common questions

Is St. Paul or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk 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 Norfolk?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Norfolk?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $9,038/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Virginia?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Norfolk details →

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