Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Paterson, NJ (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

St. Paul is 14% cheaper than Paterson.

$1,248/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↑ 17%
$73,055/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 26%
$280,300 ↓ 16%
Home Value
$335,400 ↑ 20%
$1,390/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↑ 12%
307,762
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $19,289/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Paterson — common questions

Is St. Paul or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Paterson?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Paterson?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $19,289/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and New Jersey?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Paterson

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 Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon