Maple Grove, MN vs. Saint Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Johnsons and the Smiths, both looking to relocate to Minnesota. The Johnsons find a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in Maple Grove for $1,600 per month, while the Smiths settle on a similar unit in Saint Paul for $1,450. When the Johnsons stock up on groceries, their bill comes to $450 for the month. The Smiths, on the other hand, spend around $500 for the same haul in Saint Paul.
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Maple Grove and Saint Paul. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Maple Grove vs Saint Paul in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Housing Costs
Let’s compare typical rent and mortgage costs for common housing types in Maple Grove and Saint Paul:
| Housing Type | Maple Grove | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment | $1,600 | $1,450 |
| 3BR House | $2,200 | $1,900 |
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Saint Paul compared to Maple Grove, with a household potentially saving $300-400 per month on housing alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills in Maple Grove average around $180 per month for a 2BR apartment, with costs rising to $220 in the winter months. Saint Paul residents can expect to pay slightly more, around $200 monthly and $250 in winter. Both cities offer energy-saving programs and off-peak plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Maple Grove, but not by a huge margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices in Saint Paul tend to run about 10% higher than in Maple Grove. A family of four might spend $450 per month in Maple Grove compared to $500 in Saint Paul. Eating out is also pricier in Saint Paul, with an average dinner for two costing $60 versus $50 in Maple Grove.
🏆 Winner: Maple Grove. Expect to save $50-100 per month on food and daily expenses living in Maple Grove vs Saint Paul.
Taxes and Fees
Property tax rates are slightly higher in Maple Grove at 1.2% compared to 1.1% in Saint Paul. However, Saint Paul has higher city service fees and HOA dues, which can add $50-100 per month. Vehicle registration fees are also steeper in Saint Paul.
🏆 Winner: Maple Grove. The lower city fees and vehicle costs give Maple Grove the edge, even with marginally higher property taxes.
Cost Summary
| Category | Maple Grove | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Apt) | $1,600 | $1,450 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $450 | $500 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Taxes & Fees | $120 | $150 |
| Misc Expenses | $300 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,710 | $2,680 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Saint Paul offers a lower cost of living overall, Maple Grove provides more space and newer housing for the money. Saint Paul is more walkable with better public transit, while Maple Grove requires more driving but has an easier commute to Minneapolis. Maple Grove averages 5°F cooler than Saint Paul in July.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Maple Grove more affordable than Saint Paul?
- Overall, Saint Paul has a slightly lower cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. However, Maple Grove is less expensive for utilities, groceries, and city fees.
- Which city has lower rent?
- Rental costs are about 10% lower in Saint Paul. A typical 2BR apartment runs $1,450 per month in Saint Paul compared to $1,600 in Maple Grove.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
- Saint Paul offers lower home prices, with a 3BR house costing around $1,900 per month compared to $2,200 in Maple Grove. However, Maple Grove has slightly lower property taxes.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, Saint Paul comes out ahead for overall affordability, making it ideal for budget-conscious households and those who prefer a walkable, transit-oriented lifestyle. However, Maple Grove offers more square footage, newer homes, and lower daily expenses that appeal to suburban families and commuters.
Choosing between Maple Grove and Saint Paul comes down to your budget, housing needs, and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to check out our other cost of living breakdowns for popular Minnesota cities to compare all your options.