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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

St. Paul is 26% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,248/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 31%
$73,055/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 7%
$280,300 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 57%
$1,390/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 16%
307,762
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $5,101/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Vancouver — common questions

Is St. Paul or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Vancouver?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Vancouver?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $5,101/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Vancouver details →

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