Cost of Living in South St. Paul, MN
Population 20,633 · Minnesota · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives South St. Paul a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $267,000.
Located 5 miles southeast of St. Paul, South St. Paul falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with St. Paul's $280,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South St. Paul
The median home value in South St. Paul is $266,800 — 13% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,128/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,472/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Minnesota's top state income tax rate is 9.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.4%. The climate averages highs of 55.2°F and lows of 37.7°F. Overall, South St. Paul has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 24 | 29 | 42 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 83 | 80 | 72 | 58 | 42 | 29 |
| Low °F | 9 | 13 | 25 | 37 | 49 | 59 | 64 | 62 | 53 | 40 | 27 | 15 |
| Precip" | 0.48 | 0.52 | 1.43 | 2.58 | 3.97 | 4.63 | 3.97 | 4.10 | 3.08 | 2.47 | 1.32 | 0.65 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in South St. Paul, MN?
South St. Paul has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.
What is average rent in South St. Paul, MN?
The median gross rent in South St. Paul is $1,128 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South St. Paul?
The median home value in South St. Paul is $266,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in South St. Paul?
The median household income in South St. Paul is $84,472 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South St. Paul, MN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South St. Paul is 7.4%. The Minnesota state income tax top rate is 9.8%.
Is South St. Paul, MN affordable?
Yes, South St. Paul is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in South St. Paul?
South St. Paul has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 37.7°F. Annual precipitation is 29.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
South St. Paul at a Glance
- Population
- 20,633
- Median Income
- $84,472
- Home Value
- $266,800
- Median Rent
- $1,128/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.4%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Minnesota Rankings
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