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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

St. Paul is 28% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,248/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 54%
$73,055/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 28%
$280,300 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 41%
$1,390/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 14%
307,762
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $669/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $8,028/year.

Median household income is $20,316/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Surprise — common questions

Is St. Paul or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Surprise?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $669/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Surprise?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $20,316/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite