Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Tucson is 7% more affordable than St. Paul. A $75,000 salary in St. Paul is equivalent to $69,750 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $5,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: St. Paul scores 103 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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