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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

St. Paul is 24% cheaper than Tempe.

$1,248/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↑ 30%
$73,055/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↑ 6%
$280,300 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$421,900 ↑ 51%
$1,390/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↑ 12%
307,762
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $4,588/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Tempe — common questions

Is St. Paul or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Tempe?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Tempe?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $4,588/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Tempe details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Tempe

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