Bloomington, MN vs. Saint Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Bloomington and Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Bloomington vs Saint Paul in 2025.
Let’s imagine a typical family moving from Saint Paul to Bloomington. Their current 2-bedroom apartment in Saint Paul rents for $1,600 per month. In Bloomington, they find a comparable apartment for $1,300. Right off the bat, they’ll save $300 per month on housing.
When they go grocery shopping, they notice some price differences too. A gallon of milk is $3.50 in Bloomington compared to $3.75 in Saint Paul. A loaf of bread is $2.99 instead of $3.29. Over a month, they estimate saving around $50 on groceries in Bloomington.
Of course, many other factors impact the cost of living. Let’s break it down further:
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household budget. Here’s how typical housing costs compare in Bloomington and Saint Paul:
| Housing Type | Bloomington | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,300 | $1,600 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $350,000 | $400,000 |
🏆 Winner: Bloomington. Housing costs tend to be 10-20% lower in Bloomington compared to Saint Paul.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. The average household in Bloomington pays around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and sewer. In Saint Paul, the average is closer to $200 per month.
Both cities experience cold winters, so expect heating bills to spike from November through March. Many homes use natural gas for heating, which tends to be cheaper than electric.
🏆 Winner: Bloomington edges out Saint Paul on utility costs, but the difference is minor.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are comparable between Bloomington and Saint Paul, with Bloomington being slightly cheaper on average. A family of four might spend around $800 per month on groceries in Bloomington, versus $850 in Saint Paul.
Eating out is also marginally cheaper in Bloomington. A meal at a mid-range restaurant averages $50 for two in Bloomington, compared to $60 in Saint Paul.
🏆 Winner: Bloomington has a slight edge on daily expenses.
4. Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are a key consideration for homeowners. Bloomington’s property tax rate is around 1.1%, while Saint Paul’s is 1.3%. On a $400,000 home, that’s a difference of $800 per year.
Both cities charge a 0.5% local sales tax on top of Minnesota’s 6.875% state sales tax. There are no major differences in other local taxes and fees.
🏆 Winner: Bloomington has moderately lower property taxes.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Bloomington | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent) | $1,300 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $800 | $850 |
| Transportation | $60 | $75 |
| Misc | $400 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,740 | $3,175 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Bloomington offers lower living costs overall, Saint Paul has its own advantages. Saint Paul is a larger city with more public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and urban amenities. Bloomington is more suburban, with larger homes and yards but longer commutes.
Saint Paul averages 5°F colder than Bloomington in January. If you prefer milder winters, Bloomington may be more comfortable.
7. FAQ
Is Bloomington more affordable than Saint Paul?
Yes, Bloomington is generally 10-15% cheaper than Saint Paul. Housing and taxes are the biggest factors.
Which city has lower rent?
Rent prices are around 20% lower in Bloomington. A typical 2-bedroom apartment rents for $1,300 in Bloomington vs. $1,600 in Saint Paul.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Bloomington has lower home prices and property tax rates, making it cheaper for homebuyers. The median price for a 3-bedroom house is $350,000 in Bloomington compared to $400,000 in Saint Paul.
8. Conclusion
Overall, Bloomington offers a lower cost of living than Saint Paul, primarily due to cheaper housing. A household moving from Saint Paul to Bloomington might save $400 per month on housing alone.
However, the right choice depends on your lifestyle. Young professionals who value walkability and public transit may prefer Saint Paul. Families looking for affordable homes and good schools may favor Bloomington.
Budgeting is key in either city. Tools like this monthly budget guide for Bloomington can help you plan. For a full picture, read our detailed cost of living breakdown for Bloomington.
Whichever city you choose, professional movers make relocating easier. Our guide to the best moving companies can help you compare options and get quotes.