Cost of Living in Saint Paul, MN - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,151 (excluding rent), and $2,393 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,732 (excluding rent), and $5,210 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.21 $18.21

$12.14 $12.14

$45.51 $45.51

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$66.3 $66.3

$60.3 $60.3

$101 $101

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.11 $10.11

$12.14 $12.14

Cappuccino

$5.09 $5.09

$2.97 $2.97

$6.92 $6.92

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.77 $2.77

$2.02 $2.02

$4.05 $4.05

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.40 $2.40

$1.98 $1.98

$2.97 $2.97

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.11 $6.11

$3.87 $3.87

$8.15 $8.15

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.17 $7.17

$6.14 $6.14

$12.29 $12.29

Milk (1 liter)

$1.04 $1.04

$0.83 $0.83

$1.38 $1.38

White Bread (500g)

$4.12 $4.12

$1.89 $1.89

$6.49 $6.49

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.94 $3.94

$2.65 $2.65

$5.11 $5.11

Eggs

$3.27 $3.27

$1.70 $1.70

$4.03 $4.03

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.60 $9.60

$6.77 $6.77

$18.08 $18.08

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.48 $11.48

$5.41 $5.41

$21.67 $21.67

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.44 $14.44

$12.23 $12.23

$22.22 $22.22

Apples (1kg)

$4.99 $4.99

$2.74 $2.74

$8.77 $8.77

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 $1.17

$1.07 $1.07

$3.91 $3.91

Oranges (1kg)

$5.64 $5.64

$3.23 $3.23

$12.92 $12.92

Tomato (1kg)

$5.06 $5.06

$3.23 $3.23

$7.95 $7.95

Potato (1kg)

$3.85 $3.85

$2.19 $2.19

$8.79 $8.79

Onion (1kg)

$3.71 $3.71

$2.10 $2.10

$6.63 $6.63

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.49 $1.49

$2.97 $2.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.12 $1.12

$2.54 $2.54

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$10.38 $10.38

$9.89 $9.89

$10.88 $10.88

Wine (Bottle)

$14.78 $14.78

$10.19 $10.19

$15.29 $15.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

$2.94 $2.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.47 $4.47

$1.99 $1.99

$4.97 $4.97

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.21 $2.21

$1.96 $1.96

$2.45 $2.45

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$119 $119

$89.2 $89.2

$119 $119

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$5.06 $5.06

$3.29 $3.29

$8.09 $8.09

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.41 $1.41

$1.25 $1.25

$1.72 $1.72

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.45 $29.45

$26.63 $26.63

$35.31 $35.31

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.87 $0.87

$0.78 $0.78

$0.98 $0.98

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$35.9K $35.9K

$24.8K $24.8K

$36.4K $36.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.2K $25.2K

$24.7K $24.7K

$26.1K $26.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$221 $221

$125 $125

$305 $305

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$48.37 $48.37

$32.86 $32.86

$89.6 $89.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$74.0 $74.0

$45.54 $45.54

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.10 $42.10

$20.20 $20.20

$65.7 $65.7

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$10.12 $10.12

Cinema Ticket

$14.12 $14.12

$12.10 $12.10

$15.13 $15.13

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,430 $1,430

$945 $945

$1,968 $1,968

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.9K $29.9K

$16.8K $16.8K

$29.9K $29.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$39.10 $39.10

$23.06 $23.06

$100 $100

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.43 $41.43

$29.59 $29.59

$64.1 $64.1

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$83.0 $83.0

$58.9 $58.9

$118 $118

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$128 $128

$60.1 $60.1

$200 $200

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,268 $1,268

$1,019 $1,019

$2,548 $2,548

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,022 $1,022

$877 $877

$1,420 $1,420

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,185 $2,185

$1,575 $1,575

$3,149 $3,149

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,237 $2,237

$1,938 $1,938

$2,982 $2,982

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,920 $2,920

$2,287 $2,287

$3,236 $3,236

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,202 $2,202

$1,874 $1,874

$2,463 $2,463

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,160 $4,160

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.43

6.8

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 3, 2026

Saint Paul, MN Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Saint Paul, MN - Frequently Asked Questions

Saint Paul offers a thoughtful mix of value and accessibility. While pricing varies by neighborhood, Cost of Living in Saint Paul, MN, United States tends to be moderate within the Twin Cities metro, often more affordable than coastal metros and central hubs. You will find a range of housing from historic cottages to newer apartments that balances price, safety, and walkability. Local groceries, eateries, and services offer good value, especially off the river corridors and near light-rail lines. Tip: map out a few candidate neighborhoods by commute and lifestyle to see where value aligns with your rhythm.

Daily life in Saint Paul blends walkable neighborhoods, strong local services, and practical transit. When you search for housing, look in areas like Downtown, Hamline-Midway, or Highland Park for options within reach of shops and light rail. For groceries and dining, you’ll find a mix of farmers markets, ethnic neighborhoods, and casual eateries. Transportation leans on buses, the A Line light rail, and bike routes, making errands without a car feasible in many districts. Saint Paul, MN, United States living cost tends to skew toward affordable convenience in midtown and river adjacent areas compared with pricier suburbs. Tip: schedule a weekend scouting trip to test commute times and noise levels.

Quality of life in Saint Paul comes from balanced city perks and a neighborly feel. A practical budgeting framework centers on predictable essentials like housing, utilities, groceries, and transit, with room for occasional dining and recreation. In winter, plan for insulation and indoor activities; in warmer months, river trails and street festivals amplify outdoor time. For neighborhood fit, prioritize proximity to work, parks, schools, or coworking spaces that match your pace. Compare areas by transit access, safety, and daily errands rather than sticker price alone. Tip: set a flexible 3-6 month trial to refine your routine and budget around your preferred spots.