Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

St. Paul is 15% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,248/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 2%
$73,055/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↓ 12%
$280,300 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 31%
$1,390/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 18%
307,762
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.875%
Sales Tax
6.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $8,918/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is St. Paul or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $8,918/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Pennsylvania?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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