Saint Paul, MN vs. Bloomington, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Twin Cities suburb gives you more for your money – Saint Paul or Bloomington? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Saint Paul and Bloomington, Minnesota. It’s perfect for families relocating to the Twin Cities area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in these two cities in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Saint Paul and Bloomington stack up for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Saint Paul | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $375,000 |
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be 10-15% lower in Saint Paul compared to Bloomington.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, with minor seasonal differences:
- In Saint Paul, expect to pay around $180/month for basic utilities for a 2BR apartment.
- In Bloomington, budget closer to $200/month, with costs spiking a bit higher in summer due to air conditioning.
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul, but only by a slight margin. Utility costs are comparable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday items, prices are nearly identical between Saint Paul and Bloomington. An average family of four can expect to spend around $1,100/month on groceries in either city.
Eating out is also comparable, with a typical meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing about $60 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no significant differences in grocery or daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Property taxes are slightly higher in Bloomington, averaging 1.2% of assessed value compared to 1.1% in Saint Paul.
For a $350,000 home, that equates to paying about $350 more per year in Bloomington.
City service fees and HOA costs are similar. In Saint Paul, HOA fees often include snow removal. In Bloomington, they more commonly cover lawn care and exterior maintenance.
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul. The property tax difference gives Saint Paul a slight edge.
Cost of Living in Saint Paul vs Bloomington
| Cost Category | Saint Paul | Bloomington |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home) | $2,150 | $2,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes (Property) | $300 | $375 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,305 | $4,635 |
All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax). See a more detailed breakdown of how much it costs to live in Saint Paul each month.
Lifestyle Fit
While Saint Paul is more affordable overall, Bloomington has some lifestyle advantages:
- Bloomington has more public transportation options, with light rail and express bus service to downtown Minneapolis.
- Saint Paul tends to have slightly older housing stock and smaller lot sizes.
- Bloomington is closer to MSP Airport and Mall of America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Saint Paul more affordable than Bloomington?
A: Yes, the cost of living in Saint Paul is about 5-10% lower than Bloomington, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Saint Paul has lower average rent, with a 2BR apartment costing around $1,450/month compared to $1,600/month in Bloomington.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home – Saint Paul or Bloomington?
A: Home prices are more affordable in Saint Paul. The median price of a 3BR house is about $325,000 in Saint Paul vs $375,000 in Bloomington.
The Bottom Line
For most households, Saint Paul offers a lower overall cost of living compared to Bloomington, MN. A family moving from Bloomington to Saint Paul could save $300-400 per month on housing and taxes alone.
However, Bloomington may still be worth the premium for some lifestyles – especially for frequent air travelers or those who value newer homes and easier access to Minneapolis.
Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life for a reasonable cost compared to larger metros. The choice comes down to your budget, housing needs, and location preferences.
Planning a move to the Twin Cities? Our Best Moving Companies Guide can help you find reliable movers to make your relocation easier. You may also want to compare living costs in other nearby cities with our full cost of living breakdown for Saint Paul.