Eagan, MN vs. Saint Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
When relocating to the Twin Cities metro area, many people assume Saint Paul will be the more affordable option compared to suburban Eagan. But in 2025, that old assumption no longer holds true. For families seeking more space and young professionals looking to stretch their budget, Eagan now offers a compelling alternative to Saint Paul city life—with monthly savings that can top $250.
To help you decide which city best fits your lifestyle and budget, we’ve analyzed the latest cost of living data for Eagan and Saint Paul across major expense categories. Whether you’re house hunting, apartment searching, or simply considering a move, use this guide to clearly see the tradeoffs between these two popular Twin Cities communities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference between Eagan and Saint Paul. While Saint Paul offers the classic charm of older homes and apartments, Eagan delivers more square footage and updated amenities for the money.
For home buyers, the median home price in Eagan is $375,000, while Saint Paul now sits at $425,000. That extra $50,000 goes further in Eagan, with its larger lot sizes, newer construction, and highly rated schools. Families find their housing dollar stretches much further in the suburbs.
Renters will also find more affordable options in Eagan compared to Saint Paul in 2025. A typical 2-bedroom apartment rents for $1,450 per month in Eagan, while a comparable unit in Saint Paul now averages $1,650. That’s a savings of $200 per month or $2,400 per year for Eagan renters.
| Housing Type | Eagan | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $375,000 | $425,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,100 | $2,400 |
For a family of four, choosing to buy a home in Eagan rather than Saint Paul could mean over $50,000 in savings on the purchase price, plus lower property taxes long-term. Young professionals who rent can save $200 per month or more by choosing an Eagan apartment while still enjoying an easy commute to both downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
🏆 Winner: Eagan
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between Eagan and Saint Paul, with both cities charging similar rates for electricity, natural gas, water, and sewer. The average monthly utility bill for a 2-bedroom apartment is around $135 in Eagan and $140 in Saint Paul.
Where Eagan residents can save is on energy costs, thanks to the city’s higher percentage of new construction homes with efficient HVAC systems, insulation, and appliances. Older homes in Saint Paul often have higher heating and cooling bills, which can add up during Minnesota’s frigid winters and humid summers.
For a family in a typical 3-bedroom house, annual energy costs in Eagan average $2,100, while in Saint Paul that rises to $2,400. Over the course of a year, Eagan households can save around $300 on their energy bills compared to Saint Paul.
🏆 Winner: Eagan
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs and everyday expenses like dining out, coffee, and household goods are very similar between Eagan and Saint Paul. Both cities have abundant supermarket options, ranging from budget-friendly chains to upscale organic markets.
A typical family of four can expect to spend around $1,000 per month on groceries in either city. However, Eagan does have the edge on sales tax, with a rate of 7.125% compared to Saint Paul’s 7.625%. That half a percent adds up over time, especially on big ticket purchases.
For dining out, Eagan has a growing selection of affordable chain restaurants and fast casual options, while Saint Paul is known for its unique neighborhood eateries and international cuisine. A meal for two averages $45 in Eagan and $50 in Saint Paul. Young singles and couples may find Eagan offers better value for their dining dollar.
🏆 Winner: Eagan (slightly)
4. Taxes and Fees
Taxes are another key area where Eagan comes out ahead of Saint Paul for affordability in 2025. Eagan’s property tax rate is 1.15%, while Saint Paul’s is 1.3%. For a $400,000 home, that equates to an extra $600 per year in property taxes for Saint Paul residents.
As mentioned above, Eagan also has a lower sales tax rate of 7.125% compared to Saint Paul’s 7.625%. For a household spending $2,000 per month on taxable goods, that’s a savings of $120 per year in Eagan.
Both cities have additional fees for services like trash and recycling pickup. In Eagan, a 96-gallon trash cart costs $60.75 per quarter, while Saint Paul charges $70.62 per quarter for the same size cart. Eagan residents can save around $40 per year on their trash bills.
🏆 Winner: Eagan
5. Cost Summary Table
| Expense Category | Eagan Monthly Cost | Saint Paul Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Median 3BR) | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $135 | $140 |
| Groceries | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $75 | $100 |
| Taxes (Property + Sales) | $600 | $720 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,410 | $4,910 |
When you add up all the monthly expenses for a typical family of four, Eagan comes out to $4,410 per month, while Saint Paul is $4,910. That’s a difference of $500 per month or $6,000 per year in favor of Eagan.
For young professionals and couples, the gap is smaller but still significant, with Eagan costing around $3,200 per month compared to $3,450 for Saint Paul. Even with a tighter budget, Eagan offers opportunities to save on rent, utilities, taxes, and daily expenses.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Of course, cost is just one factor in choosing between Eagan and Saint Paul. Lifestyle fit is equally important. Eagan is ideal for families who value space, safety, and top-notch schools. Young professionals may prefer the walkable neighborhoods and arts scene of Saint Paul.
Eagan offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle, with 40+ parks, 1,200 acres of green space, and 120 miles of hiking trails. For families who love the outdoors, Eagan is a perfect fit. The city also boasts a low crime rate and excellent public schools, making it a safe and enriching place to raise children.
Saint Paul, on the other hand, is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and cultural attractions. From the iconic State Capitol to the stunning Cathedral of Saint Paul, the city offers endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment. For young singles and couples who crave an urban lifestyle, Saint Paul delivers.
Commuters will find both cities offer convenient access to major highways and public transit. Eagan is just a 20-minute drive from both downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul, while Saint Paul residents can hop on the Green Line light rail for a traffic-free ride to either city center.
7. FAQs
Q: Is it cheaper to raise a family in Eagan or Saint Paul?
A: Eagan is generally more affordable for families, thanks to lower housing costs, property taxes, and energy bills. The median home price in Eagan is $50,000 less than in Saint Paul, and Eagan’s highly rated schools are a major draw for parents.
Q: Which city has more affordable rental options?
A: Eagan offers more affordable rental housing, with the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment coming in at $1,450 per month compared to $1,650 in Saint Paul. Young professionals and couples can save $200 or more per month by renting in Eagan.
Q: How do utility costs compare between Eagan and Saint Paul?
A: Utility rates are similar in both cities, but Eagan residents may save on energy costs due to the higher percentage of new construction homes with efficient systems and appliances. A typical family in Eagan spends $300 less per year on energy than in Saint Paul.
Q: Does Saint Paul have higher taxes than Eagan?
A: Yes, Saint Paul has a higher property tax rate (1.3% vs 1.15%) and sales tax rate (7.625% vs 7.125%) than Eagan. For a $400,000 home, that means an extra $600 per year in property taxes. Eagan residents can also save on sales tax.
Q: Which city is better for commuting to Minneapolis?
A: Both Eagan and Saint Paul offer convenient access to Minneapolis, with drive times around 20-25 minutes. Saint Paul residents can also take the Green Line light rail to downtown Minneapolis, while Eagan commuters rely on highways 77 and 55.
8. Conclusion
For anyone considering a move to the Twin Cities in 2025, Eagan and Saint Paul both have much to offer—but Eagan comes out ahead on affordability. With lower housing costs, property taxes, and energy bills, Eagan can save families $500 or more per month compared to Saint Paul. Young professionals will also find better rental values in Eagan, without sacrificing easy access to the metro area.
Ultimately, the choice between these two cities comes down to your lifestyle priorities and budget. If you value extra space, top schools, and suburban tranquility, Eagan is the clear winner. If you crave the energy and diversity of city life, Saint Paul may be worth the extra cost. Weigh the tradeoffs carefully to find the best fit for your needs in 2025 and beyond. For a full breakdown of living costs in Eagan, check out our comprehensive guide.