Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

St. Paul is 38% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,248/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 22%
$73,055/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 24%
$280,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 34%
$1,390/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 27%
307,762
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $270/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $3,240/year.

Median household income is $17,776/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs St. Louis — common questions

Is St. Paul or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and St. Louis?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $270/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or St. Louis?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $17,776/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Missouri?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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