Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
St. Paul is 7% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $70,093 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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