Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Richmond, CA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Richmond

California
161

St. Paul is 43% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,248/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 52%
$73,055/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 23%
$280,300 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 132%
$1,390/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 45%
307,762
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $16,983/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Richmond — common questions

Is St. Paul or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Richmond?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Richmond?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $16,983/year higher in Richmond.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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