Median rent is 21% lower in Midland ($990/mo vs $1,248/mo). Buying is cheaper in Midland, where the median home runs $192,400 versus $280,300. Households earn more in Midland ($74,906 vs $73,055 a year). Taken together, St. Paul is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.6 against 102.9 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Midland, MI.
City A
Midland, MI
City B
St. Paul, MN
How much would you need to earn in St. Paul, MN to maintain your standard of living from Midland, MI?
Equivalent salary in St. Paul, MN
$74,787
You could earn $213 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Midland
Michigan
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Midland — median rent of $990/mo versus $1,248/mo in St. Paul, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in St. Paul: the median home is $280,300 versus $192,400 in Midland — 31% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% versus 9.85% in Minnesota, so Midland is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.00% in Michigan and 6.88% in Minnesota; Midland has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Midland
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
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 Midland.
Pick Midland if you prioritize cheaper rent ($990/mo median).
Pick Midland if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Midland cheaper than St. Paul?
St. Paul is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.6 versus 102.9 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in St. Paul.
How much is rent in Midland vs St. Paul?
Median rent is $990/mo in Midland, MI and $1,248/mo in St. Paul, MN. Midland, MI has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Midland or St. Paul?
Median household income is $74,906 in Midland, MI and $73,055 in St. Paul, MN. Midland, MI 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 — Midland or St. Paul?
Michigan's top income tax rate is 4.25% and Minnesota's is 9.85%. Midland, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Midland income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Midland, MI is equivalent to roughly $99,716 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