Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
St. Paul is 4% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $72,115 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 · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Paul has a housing index of 98 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Paul costs $260,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $25,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in St. Paul versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Paul scores 103 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Paul (105) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Paul is $57,718 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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