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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Oceanside

California
179

St. Paul is 49% cheaper than Oceanside.

$1,248/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 77%
$73,055/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$93,724/yr ↑ 28%
$280,300 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$702,000 ↑ 150%
$1,390/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,232/mo ↑ 61%
307,762
Population
172,542

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
28.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Oceanside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $959/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $11,508/year.

Median household income is $20,669/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $702,000 in Oceanside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Oceanside — common questions

Is St. Paul or Oceanside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Oceanside?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Oceanside it's $2,207/month — a difference of $959/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Oceanside?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $93,724 in Oceanside. Median household income is $20,669/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Oceanside details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Oceanside

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines