Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Spokane, WA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

St. Paul and Spokane have a similar cost of living.

$1,248/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↓ 9%
$73,055/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↓ 10%
$280,300 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 16%
$1,390/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↓ 13%
307,762
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $7,310/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Minnesota's 9.85% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Spokane — common questions

Is St. Paul or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Spokane is cheaper to live in with an index of 90 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Spokane?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Spokane?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $7,310/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Washington?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Spokane details →

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