Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

St. Paul is 9% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,248/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 5%
$73,055/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 13%
$280,300 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 25%
$1,390/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 1%
307,762
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $63/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $756/year.

Median household income is $9,155/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Wilmington — common questions

Is St. Paul or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Wilmington?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $63/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Wilmington?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $9,155/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Wilmington details →

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