salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in St. Paul to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,443
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,553
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$79,155
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$294,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
104.8
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,822
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$143
👥 People living there
2,711,226
307,284
Commute to work
33.1 min
21.1 min
College degree
44.3%
43.8%
Own their home
46%
52.9%
Below poverty line
16.8%
15.6%
Unemployment
8%
5.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick St. Paul for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | St. Paul | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $39,350 | -52% in St. Paul |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $97,910 | +22% in St. Paul |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $81,890 | -20% in St. Paul |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $25,920 | -17% in St. Paul |
| Warehouse Worker | $40,550 | $47,320 | +17% in St. Paul |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $78,070 | $65,660 | -16% in St. Paul |
| Pharmacist | $140,880 | $160,990 | +14% in St. Paul |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $145,030 | +13% in St. Paul |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Chicago and St. Paul cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $60,711 a year gives the same standard of living in St. Paul.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or St. Paul?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $79,155 in St. Paul, 6% more in Chicago.