Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

St. Paul is 22% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,248/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 8%
$73,055/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 3%
$280,300 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 77%
$1,390/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ≈ Same
307,762
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $95/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $1,140/year.

Median household income is $1,870/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is St. Paul or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $95/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $1,870/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Utah?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Salt Lake City details →

More Comparisons

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