Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Salem, OR (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

St. Paul is 13% cheaper than Salem.

$1,248/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↑ 6%
$73,055/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 2%
$280,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$382,400 ↑ 36%
$1,390/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↑ 4%
307,762
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
0%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $1,155/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Salem — common questions

Is St. Paul or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Salem?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Salem?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $1,155/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Oregon?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Salem details →

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