Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Worcester, MA (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

St. Paul is 12% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,248/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 13%
$73,055/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 8%
$280,300 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$339,500 ↑ 21%
$1,390/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 9%
307,762
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $167/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $2,004/year.

Median household income is $5,511/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Worcester — common questions

Is St. Paul or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Worcester?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $167/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Worcester?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $5,511/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Massachusetts?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Paul details → View Worcester details →

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