Median rent is 27% lower in St. Paul ($1,281/mo vs $1,747/mo). Buying is cheaper in St. Paul, where the median home runs $294,500 versus $394,100. Households earn more in St. Paul ($73,394 vs $72,336 a year). Taken together, Orlando is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 101.6 against 104.3 — about 3% lower overall prices.
Cost of living verdict
Orlando is 3% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 101.6 in Orlando vs 104.3 in St. Paul (US national average = 100)
City A
Orlando, FL
City B
St. Paul, MN
How much would you need to earn in St. Paul, MN to maintain your standard of living from Orlando, FL?
Equivalent salary in St. Paul, MN
$77,002
You'd need $2,002 more (3% higher).
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
Orlando
Florida
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 $1,747/mo in Orlando, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Orlando: the median home is $394,100 versus $294,500 in St. Paul — 25% 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.
Orlando
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
St. Paul
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Both cities have similar air quality: Orlando averages 54.0 AQI (Moderate) and St. Paul averages 55.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick St. Paul if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,281/mo median).
Is Orlando cheaper than St. Paul?
Orlando is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 101.6 versus 104.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Orlando.
How much is rent in Orlando vs St. Paul?
Median rent is $1,747/mo in Orlando, FL and $1,281/mo in St. Paul, MN. St. Paul, MN has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Orlando or St. Paul?
Median household income is $72,336 in Orlando, FL and $73,394 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?
Orlando, FL has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Orlando 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 Orlando income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Orlando, FL is equivalent to roughly $102,670 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
