Salary & Cost of Living in St. Paul, MN
St. Paul, MN: $65,000 median salary, cost of living index 98, $11.13/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$65,000
$31/hr
Cost of Living
98
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$11.13
per hour
Unemployment
3%
rate
St. Paul, MN Overview
Population
307,193
Median Salary
$65,000
Average Salary
$72,000
Avg Commute
24 min
Median Home Price
$280,000
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
8.88%
St. Paul is located in Minnesota with a population of 307,193. The median household salary is $65,000 per year ($31/hour), which is $5,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
St. Paul Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in St. Paul, MN, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$49,694
$4,141.13/month · $1,911.29/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.5%
Gross Pay
$65,000
Federal Tax
-$5,914
State Tax
-$4,420
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,973
Net Pay
$49,694
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,416.67 | $65,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$492.83 | -$5,914.00 |
| Minnesota State Tax (6.8%) | -$368.33 | -$4,420.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$335.83 | -$4,030.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$78.54 | -$942.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,141.13 | $49,693.50 |
Salary Comparison: St. Paul vs Other Cities
See how St. Paul's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Paul, MN | $65,000 | 98 | $66,327 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Long Beach, CA | $65,000 | 148 | $43,919 |
| Oceanside, CA | $65,000 | 145 | $44,828 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $65,000 | 100 | $65,000 |
| Pembroke Pines, FL | $65,000 | 115 | $56,522 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in St. Paul
St. Paul's cost of living index is 98 (national average = 100). Living in St. Paul is 2% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$280,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,250
Annual Rent Cost
$15,000
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $49,694 annual take-home pay in St. Paul has the purchasing power of approximately $50,708 in an average-cost US area. Your $65,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in St. Paul
St. Paul's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $65,000.
Salary Tips for St. Paul Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.8% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. St. Paul's top industries include Government, Healthcare, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $65,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in St. Paul, MN?
The median salary in St. Paul, MN is $65,000 per year, or $31 per hour. The average salary is $72,000. This is $5,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in St. Paul, MN?
St. Paul's cost of living index is 98 (national average = 100), meaning it is 2% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $280,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,250.
What are the best industries in St. Paul?
The top industries in St. Paul, MN include Government, Healthcare, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $65,000.
How does St. Paul's salary compare to other cities?
St. Paul's median salary of $65,000 is 9.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 98), the real purchasing power is approximately $66,327.
What is the minimum wage in St. Paul, MN?
The minimum wage in St. Paul, MN is $11.13 per hour. This equals approximately $23,150 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $3.88 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.