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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Orange

California
206

St. Paul is 56% cheaper than Orange.

$1,248/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 80%
$73,055/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 60%
$280,300 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 221%
$1,390/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 72%
307,762
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,004/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $12,048/year.

Median household income is $43,890/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Orange — common questions

Is St. Paul or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Orange?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,004/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Orange?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $43,890/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Orange

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 Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City