Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
St. Paul is 15% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $64,103 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Minnesota salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Paul has a housing index of 98 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Paul scores 103 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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