Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
St. Paul is 17% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $61,983 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 Jersey salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) match St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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