Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

St. Paul is 45% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,248/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 53%
$73,055/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 47%
$280,300 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 153%
$1,390/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 31%
307,762
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $662/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,944/year.

Median household income is $34,317/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is St. Paul or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Scottsdale?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $662/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $34,317/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Arizona?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

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