Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
38% cheaper
St. Paul is 38% more affordable than Boston. A $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to $46,296 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Massachusetts salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boston has a housing index of 242 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Boston costs $620,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $360,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,800 in Boston versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boston scores 108 while St. Paul scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Boston (118) are higher than St. Paul (105).
Median household income in Boston is $76,298 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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