B
6%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
18%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index North St. Paul Minnesota National
Cost of living106100100
Groceries100100100
Health care98100100
Housing118100100
Transportation98100100
Utilities106104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare10499100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in North St. Paul, MN

Getting a feel for the cost of living in North St. Paul is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in North St. Paul is 106, which is 6% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in North St. Paul closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of North St. Paul can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is North St. Paul Affordable?

Is North St. Paul an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in North St. Paul is 21.2% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 11.7% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. North St. Paul has a median household income of $102,482, which is 26% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in North St. Paul?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in North St. Paul, is 18.3% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In North St. Paul, healthcare costs are 1.7% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The North St. Paul cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in North St. Paul is 5% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in North St. Paul is 6% higher than the national average
  • North St. Paul housing is 18% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota general sales tax is 35% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota state income tax is 106% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around North St. Paul

See all the best places to live around North St. Paul

Compare North St. Paul, MN Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$135,970$11,331$3,172$4,080
      Renters$55,368$4,614$1,292$1,661
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in North St. Paul, MN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in North St. Paul have a median income of $135,970. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,172 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $55,368, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,292.

      Minnesota Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Minnesota 6.875% 7.875%

      Minnesota Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Minnesota 5.35% 9.85%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Houlton, WI1091000.0%
      Landfall, MN8197227.9%
      South End, MN667822.1%
      Hilltop, MN1,0458020.0%
      St. Anthony city (Stearns County), MN1088416.4%
      North St. Paul, MN12,8351065.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Irmo, SC12,834981.8%
      Larkspur, CA12,843255155.5%
      Boone, IA12,8258713.2%
      Winnetka, IL12,825215114.9%
      Cheney, WA12,81611313.1%
      North St. Paul, MN12,8351065.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.