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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

St. Paul is 34% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,248/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 48%
$73,055/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 16%
$280,300 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 71%
$1,390/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 29%
307,762
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $594/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,128/year.

Median household income is $11,562/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is St. Paul or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Santa Maria?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $594/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $11,562/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

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

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 Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton