Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Peoria, IL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

St. Paul is 49% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,248/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 24%
$73,055/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 20%
$280,300 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 47%
$1,390/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 28%
307,762
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $297/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $3,564/year.

Median household income is $14,339/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Peoria — common questions

Is St. Paul or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Peoria?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $297/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Peoria?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $14,339/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Peoria

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 Peoria vs. Pompano Beach Peoria vs. Downey Peoria vs. Lansing Peoria vs. Murrieta Peoria vs. Las Cruces Peoria vs. Pueblo