Chicago, IL vs St. Paul, MN
Cost of living comparison · 2023 Census ACS data
Quick Summary
Chicago and St. Paul sit close to each other across the headline cost-of-living indicators — typical homes within 11% of each other, median incomes within 3%. The relocation math comes down to non-housing factors: taxes, commute, climate, and personal preference. State income-tax burden also tilts toward Chicago — a top rate of 5.0% versus 9.8% — which compounds at higher incomes.
Median Home Value
$315,200
$280,300 ✓
Zillow Home Value
$312,456
—
Median Gross Rent
$1,380/mo
$1,248/mo ✓
Owner Occupied %
45.5%
53.2%
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.0x
18.7x
Median Household Income
$75,134 ✓
$73,055
Per Capita Income
$48,148
$41,594
Unemployment Rate
7.9%
4.9% ✓
Poverty Rate
16.8%
15.8%
Avg Commute (min)
36.7 min
24.1 min
Drove Alone %
46.0%
59.3%
Public Transit %
19.3%
6.5%
Work From Home %
18.3%
18.3%
State Income Tax
5.0%
9.8%
Total Sales Tax
8.7%
7.4% ✓
Property Tax Rate
2.2%
1.1%
Bachelor's Degree %
24.9%
25.2%
Median Age
35.7
33.5
Avg High Temp
60.3°F
55.2°F
Annual Precipitation
34.4"
29.2"
Chicago, IL 1 wins
- ✓Median Household Income
St. Paul, MN 4 wins
- ✓Median Home Value
- ✓Median Gross Rent
- ✓Total Sales Tax
- ✓Unemployment Rate
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