Saint Paul, MN vs. Minneapolis, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two friends, Sarah and Mike, both looking to rent a 2-bedroom apartment. Sarah finds a place in Saint Paul for $1,400 per month, while Mike settles on a similar unit in Minneapolis for $1,650. When they meet up to stock their kitchens, Sarah spends about $350 on groceries, but Mike shells out closer to $400 for the same items in Minneapolis.
This scenario illustrates some of the real cost differences between living in Saint Paul versus Minneapolis. If you’re deciding between these Twin Cities, looking at the details can help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. In this article, we’ll break down the key cost of living factors in Saint Paul compared to Minneapolis, including housing, utilities, daily expenses, and more.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest line item in a monthly budget. Here’s how typical housing costs compare for Saint Paul vs Minneapolis in 2025:
| Housing Type | Saint Paul | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,400 | $1,650 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $375,000 |
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul. Rent and home prices tend to be 10-15% lower in Saint Paul compared to Minneapolis.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly comparable between the two cities, but Saint Paul has a slight edge:
- In Saint Paul, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and garbage for a 2BR apartment. Winter heating can push costs closer to $250.
- Minneapolis utility bills typically run about $200 monthly, with winter spikes near $275 for the same sized unit.
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul, but only by about $20 per month on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Both cities offer a wide range of grocery and dining options, from budget-friendly markets to upscale organic stores. On average, though, Saint Paul is about 5% cheaper for groceries and everyday items. A typical monthly grocery bill for a couple in Saint Paul might be $350-$400, compared to $375-$425 in Minneapolis.
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul, with a modest 5% savings on food and daily goods.
Taxes and Fees
Comparing property taxes and fees is tricky, as rates can vary significantly by neighborhood. However, some general trends emerge:
- Saint Paul’s property tax rate averages 1.15%, while Minneapolis is around 1.25%.
- For a $350,000 home, that’s a difference of about $350 per year.
- City fees and service charges are fairly similar. Expect $30-50 per month in either city.
🏆 Winner: Slight edge to Saint Paul on property taxes, but fairly even overall.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Saint Paul | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,400 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 |
| Transportation | $75 | $75 |
| Taxes & Fees | $150 | $180 |
| Misc Expenses | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,435 | $2,755 |
Keep in mind these are pre-tax figures. To calculate your actual take-home pay and budget, be sure to factor in income taxes. Here’s a guide on how much it costs to live in Saint Paul each month after taxes.
Lifestyle Fit
While Saint Paul tends to be cheaper, cost is just one factor to consider. Minneapolis offers more extensive public transit, a vibrant downtown, and abundant lakes and parks. Saint Paul provides a quieter vibe, charming historic neighborhoods, and quick access to nature trails.
Minneapolis has over 20 lakes and 200 parks within city limits. If you love outdoor activities, Minneapolis’ recreation scene is hard to beat. On the flip side, Saint Paul is about 15% cheaper across major living costs. For a household earning $5,000 per month, that 15% savings equates to $750 – a substantial difference.
FAQ
Is Saint Paul more affordable than Minneapolis?
Yes, Saint Paul is generally 10-15% cheaper than Minneapolis for major expenses like housing, utilities, and food.
Which city has lower rent prices?
Saint Paul rents are typically 10-20% lower than comparable units in Minneapolis.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Home prices in Saint Paul are about 15% lower on average than in Minneapolis. Property taxes are also slightly lower in Saint Paul.
Conclusion
Both Saint Paul and Minneapolis are great places to call home, but your budget may go further in Saint Paul. A household moving from Minneapolis to Saint Paul could easily save $300-500 per month on living costs. However, the savings may be offset by fewer amenities and a slower pace of life.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and financial situation. We recommend visiting both cities and comparing neighborhoods that fit your lifestyle. If possible, price out a few housing options and do a trial run of your commute and daily routine.
For more insights, check out our full cost of living breakdown for Saint Paul. If you’re planning a move, we also have a helpful guide on choosing between moving pods and rental trucks.