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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Salinas

California
156

St. Paul is 42% cheaper than Salinas.

$1,248/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,923/mo ↑ 54%
$73,055/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$89,150/yr ↑ 22%
$280,300 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$610,900 ↑ 118%
$1,390/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,912/mo ↑ 38%
307,762
Population
161,993

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
25.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Salinas, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 156 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $675/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $8,100/year.

Median household income is $16,095/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $610,900 in Salinas.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Salinas — common questions

Is St. Paul or Salinas cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Salinas?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Salinas it's $1,923/month — a difference of $675/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Salinas?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $89,150 in Salinas. Median household income is $16,095/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Salinas has a cost index of 156 with rent of $1,923/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Salinas details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Salinas

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson