Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
49% cheaper
St. Paul is 49% more affordable than Brooklyn. A $75,000 salary in Brooklyn is equivalent to $38,462 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Brooklyn has a housing index of 325 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Brooklyn costs $780,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $520,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,900 in Brooklyn versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Brooklyn scores 108 while St. Paul scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Brooklyn (108) are higher than St. Paul (105).
Median household income in Brooklyn is $65,294 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
Amazon affiliate links