Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
St. Paul is 6% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $70,755 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Paul has a housing index of 98 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Paul scores 103 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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