Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Waterbury, CT (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Waterbury

Connecticut
76

St. Paul is 20% more expensive than Waterbury.

$1,248/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,180/mo ↓ 5%
$73,055/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$51,642/yr ↓ 29%
$280,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$185,400 ↓ 34%
$1,390/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,273/mo ↓ 8%
307,762
Population
114,356

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Waterbury, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $68/month cheaper in Waterbury, saving renters about $816/year.

Median household income is $21,413/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $185,400 in Waterbury.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Waterbury slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Waterbury — common questions

Is St. Paul or Waterbury cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waterbury is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Waterbury?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Waterbury it's $1,180/month — a difference of $68/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Waterbury?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $51,642 in Waterbury. Median household income is $21,413/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Connecticut?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Waterbury?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Waterbury has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Waterbury details →

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