Saint Paul, MN, US
Twin Cities' quieter half with historic architecture, hockey, and Midwest winters.
Overview
Saint Paul is a city in MN with a population of 303,176. Twin Cities’ quieter half with historic architecture, hockey, and Midwest winters. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 4b growing zone supports Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 33.5.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Saint Paul vs US Average
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
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
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).
| Category | Saint Paul | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 104.2 | 100 | +4.2% |
| Housing | 108.5 | 100 | +8.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 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, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Saint Paul:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $115 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $104 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $324 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Saint Paul scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Saint Paul has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°F | 7°F | 2.5" |
| April | 68°F | 22°F | 2.8" |
| July | 83°F | 58°F | 1.5" |
| October | 63°F | 25°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Saint Paul faces the following natural hazards:
Severe winter storms and blizzards.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Tornado risk.
River and lake flooding.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
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%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Saint Paul per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Saint Paul is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
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 83°F, while winter lows can drop to around 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
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.