Woodbury, MN vs. Saint Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Woodbury vs Saint Paul. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of living in Woodbury, MN vs Saint Paul in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in overall living costs. Here’s how Woodbury and Saint Paul compare for common housing types:
| Housing Type | Woodbury | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,450 | $1,250 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul. Housing costs an estimated 14% less in Saint Paul compared to Woodbury.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another key monthly expense. In Minnesota, expect higher heating costs in the winter months. Typical utility costs:
- Woodbury: $180/month
- Saint Paul: $160/month
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul, with slightly lower utility bills on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Food and everyday items are essential parts of any cost of living comparison. Woodbury and Saint Paul have fairly similar grocery costs, but eating out is about 10% cheaper in Saint Paul.
🏆 Winner: Saint Paul, but only by a small margin.
4. Taxes and Fees
Don’t overlook taxes and city fees when comparing moving options. Some key differences:
- Property tax rates are 1.2% in Woodbury vs 1.4% in Saint Paul
- Many Woodbury neighborhoods have HOA fees of $200-400/month
- Saint Paul has higher city service fees (e.g. trash and water)
🏆 Winner: Woodbury. Lower property taxes can add up to major savings over time.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Woodbury | Saint Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,800 | $1,550 |
| Utilities | $180 | $160 |
| Groceries | $400 | $380 |
| Transportation | $80 | $60 |
| Taxes | $600 | $700 |
| Misc | $340 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,400 | $3,150 |
Note: All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
6. Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor when choosing where to live. Also consider:
- Woodbury offers more space and newer homes, but longer commutes
- Saint Paul is more walkable with better public transit
7. FAQ
Q: Is Woodbury more affordable than Saint Paul?
A: Overall, Saint Paul has a lower cost of living by about 8%. Housing and utilities tend to be cheaper in Saint Paul.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Rent prices are around 14% lower in Saint Paul compared to Woodbury for similar properties.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices in Saint Paul are roughly $100,000 less than in Woodbury as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While both are desirable places to live, Saint Paul comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families looking for more space and top school districts may prefer Woodbury, while young professionals wanting a shorter commute and urban amenities may find a better fit in Saint Paul.
To further evaluate your options, check out our full cost of living breakdown for Woodbury or browse average monthly expenses to help plan your budget.