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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

St. Paul is 17% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,248/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 15%
$73,055/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 12%
$280,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 37%
$1,390/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 6%
307,762
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $9,067/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is St. Paul or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and San Bernardino?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $9,067/year higher in St. Paul.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View San Bernardino details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and San Bernardino

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