Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Plano, TX (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Plano

Texas
132

St. Paul is 31% cheaper than Plano.

$1,248/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 44%
$73,055/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$108,649/yr ↑ 49%
$280,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$440,600 ↑ 57%
$1,390/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,829/mo ↑ 32%
307,762
Population
287,339

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Plano, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $544/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $6,528/year.

Median household income is $35,594/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $440,600 in Plano.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Plano — common questions

Is St. Paul or Plano cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Plano?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Plano it's $1,792/month — a difference of $544/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Plano?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $108,649 in Plano. Median household income is $35,594/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Texas?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Plano?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Plano has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Plano details →

More Comparisons

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