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

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Ventura

California
183

St. Paul is 50% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,248/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 68%
$73,055/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 37%
$280,300 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 178%
$1,390/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 52%
307,762
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $853/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $10,236/year.

Median household income is $27,352/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Ventura — common questions

Is St. Paul or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Ventura?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $853/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Ventura?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $27,352/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Ventura

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