Median rent is 13% lower in Columbia ($1,092/mo vs $1,248/mo). Buying is cheaper in Columbia, where the median home runs $261,700 versus $280,300. Households earn more in St. Paul ($73,055 vs $61,204 a year). Taken together, Columbia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.4 against 102.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in St. Paul, MN.
City A
Columbia, TN
City B
St. Paul, MN
How much would you need to earn in St. Paul, MN to maintain your standard of living from Columbia, TN?
Equivalent salary in St. Paul, MN
$75,163
You'd need $163 more (0% higher).
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
Columbia
Tennessee
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 Columbia at $1,092/mo compared to $1,248/mo in St. Paul (13% gap). Median home values are within 7% of each other: $261,700 in Columbia and $280,300 in St. Paul.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Tennessee has no state income tax, while Minnesota tops out at 9.85% — giving Columbia a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Tennessee and 6.88% in Minnesota; St. Paul has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Columbia
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 7.00%
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 Columbia.
Pick St. Paul if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,055/yr).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,092/mo median).
Pick Columbia if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Columbia cheaper than St. Paul?
Columbia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.4 versus 102.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Columbia.
How much is rent in Columbia vs St. Paul?
Median rent is $1,092/mo in Columbia, TN and $1,248/mo in St. Paul, MN. Columbia, TN has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Columbia or St. Paul?
Median household income is $61,204 in Columbia, TN and $73,055 in St. Paul, MN. St. Paul, MN 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 — Columbia or St. Paul?
Tennessee has no state income tax. Minnesota has a top rate of 9.85%.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Columbia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Columbia, TN is equivalent to roughly $100,217 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