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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

St. Paul is 70% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,248/mo ↓ 58%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 139%
$73,055/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 138%
$280,300 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 445%
$1,390/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 119%
307,762
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,737/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $20,844/year.

Median household income is $100,615/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is St. Paul or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Santa Clara?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,737/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $100,615/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville