Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
57% cheaper
St. Paul is 57% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $31,915 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. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $890,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manhattan scores 115 while St. Paul scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are higher than St. Paul (105).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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