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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Palmdale

California
130

St. Paul is 30% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,248/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 39%
$73,055/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 11%
$280,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 55%
$1,390/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 32%
307,762
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $8,096/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Palmdale — common questions

Is St. Paul or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Palmdale?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Palmdale?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $8,096/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Palmdale

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