Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
St. Paul is 7% more affordable than Atlanta. A $75,000 salary in Atlanta is equivalent to $70,093 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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