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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Pasadena

California
220

St. Paul is 59% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,248/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 78%
$73,055/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 42%
$280,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 273%
$1,390/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 68%
307,762
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $30,723/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Pasadena — common questions

Is St. Paul or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Pasadena?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Pasadena?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $30,723/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Pasadena details →

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