Median rent is 41% lower in St. Paul ($1,281/mo vs $2,175/mo). Buying is cheaper in St. Paul, where the median home runs $294,500 versus $831,200. Households earn more in Anaheim ($95,227 vs $73,394 a year). Taken together, St. Paul is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 104.3 against 114.7 — about 9% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Anaheim, CA.
Cost of living verdict
St. Paul is 9% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 104.3 in St. Paul vs 114.7 in Anaheim (US national average = 100)
City A
Anaheim, CA
City B
St. Paul, MN
How much would you need to earn in St. Paul, MN to maintain your standard of living from Anaheim, CA?
Equivalent salary in St. Paul, MN
$68,172
You could earn $6,828 less (9% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Anaheim
California
St. Paul
Minnesota
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in St. Paul — median rent of $1,281/mo versus $2,175/mo in Anaheim, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Anaheim: the median home is $831,200 versus $294,500 in St. Paul — 65% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Anaheim
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
St. Paul
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Anaheim has cleaner air on average: 35.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick St. Paul if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 104.3 vs 114.7).
Pick Anaheim if you prioritize higher median household income ($95,227/yr).
Pick St. Paul if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,281/mo median).
Pick Anaheim if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 35.0).
Is Anaheim cheaper than St. Paul?
St. Paul is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 104.3 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 9% lower in St. Paul.
How much is rent in Anaheim vs St. Paul?
Median rent is $2,175/mo in Anaheim, CA and $1,281/mo in St. Paul, MN. St. Paul, MN has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — Anaheim or St. Paul?
Median household income is $95,227 in Anaheim, CA and $73,394 in St. Paul, MN. Anaheim, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Anaheim, CA has better air quality on average: 35.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Anaheim or St. Paul?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Anaheim income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anaheim, CA is equivalent to roughly $90,896 in St. Paul, MN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
