Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Providence, RI (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

St. Paul is 8% cheaper than Providence.

$1,248/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↑ 7%
$73,055/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 9%
$280,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$322,800 ↑ 15%
$1,390/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↑ 6%
307,762
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $6,283/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Providence — common questions

Is St. Paul or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Providence?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Providence?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $6,283/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Rhode Island?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Providence details →

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