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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Ontario

California
152

St. Paul is 40% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,248/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 54%
$73,055/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 13%
$280,300 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 103%
$1,390/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 42%
307,762
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $9,751/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Ontario — common questions

Is St. Paul or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Ontario?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Ontario?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $9,751/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Ontario

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 Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa