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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

St. Paul is 28% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,248/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 28%
$73,055/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 15%
$280,300 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 62%
$1,390/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 26%
307,762
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $349/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,188/year.

Median household income is $10,802/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Tacoma — common questions

Is St. Paul or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $349/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Tacoma?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $10,802/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Tacoma details →

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