Median rent is 20% lower in Bloomington ($1,004/mo vs $1,248/mo). Buying is cheaper in Bloomington, where the median home runs $198,800 versus $280,300. Households earn more in Bloomington ($75,449 vs $73,055 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (102.6).
City A
Bloomington, IL
City B
St. Paul, MN
How much would you need to earn in St. Paul, MN to maintain your standard of living from Bloomington, IL?
Equivalent salary in St. Paul, MN
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Bloomington
Illinois
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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Bloomington at $1,004/mo compared to $1,248/mo in St. Paul (20% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in St. Paul: the median home is $280,300 versus $198,800 in Bloomington — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 9.85% in Minnesota, so Bloomington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.88% in Minnesota; Bloomington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Bloomington
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
St. Paul
Income tax: 9.85%
Sales tax: 6.88%
Air quality data is available for St. Paul (avg AQI 24.0) but not yet for Bloomington.
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,004/mo median).
Pick Bloomington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Bloomington cheaper than St. Paul?
Bloomington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.6 versus 102.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Bloomington.
How much is rent in Bloomington vs St. Paul?
Median rent is $1,004/mo in Bloomington, IL and $1,248/mo in St. Paul, MN. Bloomington, IL has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Bloomington or St. Paul?
Median household income is $75,449 in Bloomington, IL and $73,055 in St. Paul, MN. Bloomington, IL 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Bloomington or St. Paul?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Minnesota's is 9.85%. Bloomington, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Bloomington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Bloomington, IL is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology