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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

St. Paul is 54% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,248/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 99%
$73,055/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 64%
$280,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 157%
$1,390/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 91%
307,762
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,238/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $14,856/year.

Median household income is $46,871/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is St. Paul or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,238/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $46,871/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

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

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 Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge