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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

St. Paul is 47% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,248/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 67%
$73,055/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 33%
$280,300 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 144%
$1,390/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 53%
307,762
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $836/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $10,032/year.

Median household income is $24,355/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is St. Paul or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $836/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $24,355/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Santa Rosa details →

More Comparisons

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

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