Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Torrance, CA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Torrance

California
218

St. Paul is 58% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,248/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 77%
$73,055/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 55%
$280,300 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 270%
$1,390/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 65%
307,762
Population
143,499

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $966/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $11,592/year.

Median household income is $40,050/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making St. Paul slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Torrance — common questions

Is St. Paul or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Torrance?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $966/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Torrance?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $40,050/year higher in Torrance.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and California?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Torrance

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 Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco