Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Washington is 88% more expensive than St. Paul.

$1,900/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↓ 34%
$106,287/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↓ 31%
$724,600 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$280,300 ↓ 61%
$2,103/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↓ 34%
672,079
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.56%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $652/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,824/year.

Median household income is $33,232/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Washington or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and St. Paul?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $652/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or St. Paul?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $33,232/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Minnesota?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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