Skyline of Saint Paul
Cost of Living: 104.2 303,176

Saint Paul, MN, US

Twin Cities' quieter half with historic architecture, hockey, and Midwest winters.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 104.2

Above Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 108.5

Above Average

Median Income $62,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.1%

Job market health

Saint Paul vs US Average

Cost of Living
Saint Paul: 104.2
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Saint Paul: 108.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Saint Paul: 7.25%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 7.2%
  • Sales Tax: 8.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $62,000
  • Unemployment: 3.1%
  • Population: 303,176

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 198/year
  • Summer High: 83°F
  • Winter Low: 7°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $285,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1250/mo

Cost of Living

Saint Paul's cost of living index is 104.2 (US average = 100).

CategorySaint PaulNational AverageDifference
Overall104.2100+4.2%
Housing108.5100+8.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$285,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1250/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,563/mo
Price per Sq Ft$190

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Saint Paul:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$115Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$408Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$50Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$55Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$628Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Saint Paul

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,500/mo.

Saint Paul Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,375/mo.

East Saint Paul

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,125/mo.

West Saint Paul

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,188/mo.

Remote Work Score

Saint Paul scores 117/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 198 year (Fair)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Saint Paul has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January27°F7°F2.5"
April68°F22°F2.8"
July83°F58°F1.5"
October63°F25°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 7.25%
  • Sales Tax: 8.03%
  • Property Tax: ~1.3% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Saint Paul, MN, US?

The cost of living index in Saint Paul is 104.2, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Saint Paul?

The median home price in Saint Paul is $285,000. The housing index is 108.5.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Saint Paul is approximately $1250/mo.

Does Saint Paul, MN have income tax?

Saint Paul is in MN, which has an income tax rate of 7.25%.

What is the climate like in Saint Paul?

Saint Paul enjoys approximately 198 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,83°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.7°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.