St. Paul is a vibrant city located along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. While often overshadowed by its twin city, Minneapolis, St. Paul has its own unique charm and character that draws in residents and visitors alike. From its iconic landmarks to its diverse neighborhoods, St. Paul is known for its friendly residents, rich history, and fun attractions. As such, St. Paul is a good place to live. If you are thinking about moving to St. Paul MN, then you will need to understand what your life might look like in the city. Here’s everything you need to know about living in St. Paul MN.
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What county is St. Paul MN in? St. Paul is in Ramsey County and is the county seat of the area. St. Paul is located along the Mississippi River, providing residents with plenty of options for outdoor activities during the summer months. However, the cold weather does not keep residents living in St. Paul MN from enjoying the outdoors. During the cold winters, many people living in the area enjoy easy access to cross-country skiing at several nearby resorts.
St. Paul is most commonly known as being a part of the Twin Cities, along with Minneapolis. The Twin Cities area of Minnesota is the political, cultural, and economic capital of the Upper Midwest. It is only 11.9 miles from Minneapolis MN to St. Paul MN.
According to the 2024 US Census, the St Paul MN population is 307,465. This is 1.3% less than 2020. Paul has a population density of 5,881 people per square mile. As a part of the Twin Cities, St. Paul is also a part of the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area, which has a population of 3.71 million, making it the third-most populous metropolitan area in the Midwest.
After moving to St. Paul, you will experience a very diverse population. The racial and ethnic composition of residents living in St. Paul MN is 51.5% White (50% non-Hispanic), 17.9% Asian, 15.8% Black, 9.7% two or more races, and 0.7% American Indian. 18.2% of residents living in St. Paul MN are foreign-born, which is much higher than the national average of 13.9%.
Several notable people have called the city of St. Paul home, including author F. Scott Fitzgerald, NHL player Ryan McDonagh, and musician Chad Smith.
Additional St. Paul Demographics:
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When living in St. Paul MN, you have several transportation options. Metro Transit provides a bus and light rail system connecting the Twin Cities together. The light rail system features the Metro Transit Green Line, which is an 11-mile light rail line that connects St. Paul Minnesota to Minneapolis Minnesota. Planning is currently underway for the Metro Transit Green Line, which will connect Downtown St. Paul to the airport and the Mall of America.
In addition to public transit, there are several freeway options for those who prefer to drive themselves. Residents use Interstate 35E, running north-south, and Interstate 94, running east-west. Biking is also becoming increasingly popular among those living in St. Paul MN, and the city has over 200 miles of bike-friendly trails.
After moving to St. Paul, you can enjoy easy access to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which has two terminals and 131 gates.
What is the cost of living in St Paul MN? The Cost of Living Index in St. Paul is 102.3, meaning that the cost of living in St. Paul is 2.3% more expensive than the national average of 100 and 5.2% more expensive than the Minnesota average of 97.2. Although higher than the state and national average, the cost of living in St. Paul MN is quite affordable for such a large city.
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According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in St. Paul MN would need to earn $134,789 per year to live comfortably in the city. This comes out to about $11,232 per month. For a family of two with no children, this number drops down to $69,061 per year ($5,755 per month). According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, two working adults with two children living in St. Paul Minnesota would need to earn at least $43.23 per hour to support their family without falling below the poverty line.
Typical St. Paul Living Expenses:
Before moving to St. Paul, you'll want to be aware of the taxes you will be expected to pay. Minnesota's income tax is a graduated tax, with four rates: 5.35%, 6.8%, 7.85%, and 9.85%. The rate you will pay depends on your income and filing status. As of April 1, 2024, the sales tax in St. Paul Minnesota is 1.5%. The amount of property tax in St. Paul you will pay depends on the value of your property. You can use the Ramsey County Property Tax Value and Lookup Tool to find property information and values.
When looking at the average cost of living in St Paul MN, you must consider housing costs. Luckily St. Paul is a great city to live in for those looking for affordable real estate.
Are you thinking about purchasing St. Paul real estate? Housing costs in the area are very affordable, and the average home price in St. Paul MN is $295,000, according to Redfin. Although housing costs are up 10.6% compared to last year, they are still below the national average of $436,705 and the Minnesota average of $355,900.
When living in St. Paul MN, you have a wide range of real estate to choose from. If you want to live the city lifestyle, then there are plenty of small houses near Downtown St. Paul. Should you prefer suburbs, then you may want to check out the area near Como Avenue or the neighborhoods on the east side of the city.
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If you would rather rent St. Paul Minnesota real estate, then there are plenty of options for you. According to RentCafe, the average rent in St. Paul MN is $1,528. If you are moving to St. Paul Minnesota on a budget, then you may want to check out the affordable neighborhoods of Payne-Phalen (average rent of $1,110) or Battle Creek - Highwood (average rent of $1,178). Some of the most expensive neighborhoods in St. Paul include Downtown St. Paul ($1,586) and Union Park ($1,632). According to the 2026 Rental Affordability Report, it is more affordable to buy than to rent St. Paul real estate.
Are you curious about the best places to live in St. Paul? Saint Paul is one of the best places to live for young professionals, families, and retirees alike due to the diverse neighborhoods in the area. Whether you are looking to enjoy a city lifestyle or prefer suburban living, there is something for you in Saint Paul. These are the best places to live in this vibrant Minnesota city.
Downtown Saint Paul is easily one of the best places to live in St. Paul MN. A large portion of residents living in this area of Saint Paul are young professionals due to the many job opportunities in the area. This area is also a great place to live for students as it is close to major educational institutions like Saint Paul College and the University of Minnesota (Saint Paul Campus). When living in this area, you can easily walk from place to place, exploring all of the coffee shops, shopping opportunities, and other attractions this area has to offer.
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If you want to enjoy easy access to the downtown area while still experiencing suburban living, then check out Cathedral Hill. Characterized by its beautiful historic architecture, Cathedral Hill is located just outside of Downtown and features dozens of family-owned shops and restaurants. In this area, you'll find a great mix of both apartments and houses, allowing you to choose which real estate option best suits your needs.
Nestled in a bend in the Mississippi sits the beautiful neighborhood of Highland Park. Highland Park is a popular St. Paul neighborhood among families, as it is close to several top-rated middle schools, high schools, and private schools. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts a crime rate that is well below the Saint Paul and national average. Highland Park is a great option for nature lovers and is home to several parks, such as Hidden Falls and Howell Park.
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Are you thinking about moving to St. Paul to enjoy your golden years? Legacy Commons at Signal Hill is a brand new, affordable, 55 and over apartment community in Saint Paul. You can choose from one, two, and three-bedroom apartment options with pricing starting at $1,322 per month. When living at Legacy Commons, you can enjoy community amenities such as a fitness center, a clubroom, a theater room, a beauty salon, and a grass courtyard.
When living in St. Paul MN, you will experience all four seasons. St. Paul experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold, harsh winters. Winter in Saint Paul brings a lot of snow, with an average annual snowfall of 54.4 inches. This aspect of the St. Paul climate makes the area a popular place for snowboarding and cross country skiing. The winter snow is no surprise, as the average temperature in St. Paul Minnesota during the winter is 17ºF.
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In contrast to the harsh winter conditions, summer in Saint Paul is very pleasant. The warm summer season in St. Paul lasts for 3.9 months, from May 21 to September 16, with an average daily high temperature above 71°F. During the summer, you can expect sunny weather conditions, which is perfect for enjoying the city's many parks and outdoor attractions.
After moving to St. Paul, you'll find no shortage of incredible places to eat. Saint Paul offers a wide range of cuisine, with everything from hearty American dishes to spicy Mexican food. These are just a few of the best restaurants in St Paul.
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There are several amazing things to do when living in St. Paul MN. Whether you are searching for fun outdoor activities during the summer months or fun indoor attractions to distract you from the harsh winter weather, Saint Paul has it all. Here are just a few fun things to do in St. Paul.
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Home to professional teams, collegiate athletics, and recreational opportunities, St. Paul fosters a deep-rooted passion for sports. St. Paul is widely known as being home to the NHL team, the Minnesota Wild. The Minnesota Wild plays at the Xcel Energy Center, which seats just under 18,000 people. Additionally, you can catch the baseball team, the St. Paul Saints, over at CHS Field during the summer months.
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St. Paul also celebrates its collegiate sports scene, with the University of St. Thomas and Hamline University fielding competitive teams in dozens of different sports. These teams draw thousands of visitors to their games, contributing to the city's lively sports scene.
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Is St. Paul a safe place to live? Let's take a look at the St. Paul Minnesota crime rate.
Although the crime rates are high, St. Paul is a safe place to live. Crime rates are naturally higher in larger cities, and a large portion of the crime is committed in just a few small areas where there is a higher nightlife and gang presence. Also, according to KSTP, crime in St. Paul declined in all categories from 2022 to 2023, and this number is only expected to fall even more. Additionally, St. Paul has a 20.3% lower crime rate than its twin city of Minneapolis.
When living in St. Paul MN, you will be served by the Saint Paul Police Department, which has 575 officers on the force to help keep the city safe.
Are you thinking about searching for St. Paul jobs? Luckily, the job market in St. Paul Minnesota is thriving. The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies, including Best Buy, 3M, General Mills, and Ecolab. Residents living in the city have a wide range of job opportunities to choose from, and the top industries in St. Paul are health care and social assistance, public administration, and education. According to CBS News, Minnesota continues to outpace the nation in job growth, with a job increase in 2023 that was above the national average, as well as an unemployment rate that was below the national average (3.1%).
According to PayScale, the average salary in St. Paul Minnesota is $79,000 per year. If you are searching for jobs in St. Paul, then try checking out the city job board or completing a search on Indeed.
After moving to St. Paul, you will gain access to some of the best healthcare facilities in the entire country. Whether you are looking for a family physician, an experienced surgeon, or an assisted living facility, the city has something for you. St. Paul is home to United Hospital, which features specialized care for children as well as a top-rated heart center.
You'll also find the University of Minnesota Medical Center in the downtown area, which provides services that range from primary care to emergency care, to the delivery of thousands of babies each year.
Additionally, when living in St. Paul MN, you are just a 90-minute drive from Mayo Clinic, which is widely recognized as one of the best medical facilities in the world.
If you are moving to St. Paul with children, then you may be curious about the public schools in the area. Most residents in St. Paul are served by the Saint Paul Public School District (SPPS). SPPS is the second-largest school district in Minnesota and educates over 38,000 students. This St. Paul school district contains 52 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 7 St. Paul high schools, 10 alternative schools, and 1 special education school.
You'll also find several private schools in St. Paul, such as Saint Agnes School and St. Paul Academy and Summit School. The latter school serves students in grades K through 12 and has a college-preparatory liberal arts curriculum.
If you are moving to the city with older children, then you'll be happy to know that there are many higher education options to choose from. Notable colleges and universities in the area include Saint Catherine University, Concordia University, Hamline University, Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas.
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When living in the area, you can enjoy access to the Saint Paul Public Library.
Before moving to St. Paul MN, you may need to transfer your utilities to your new home. These are the providers you will need to know about when living in the city.
Do you need to change your address or get a Minnesota driver's license? To begin the process of changing your address, you'll need to visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. You can schedule an appointment online and pre-apply for your license to minimize your wait time in the office.
Is moving to St. Paul MN in your future? If living in St. Paul MN sounds great to you, then get in touch with The Move Crew. The Move Crew has been in the industry for nearly a decade, completing over 10,000 moves and maintaining a 4.9/5 customer rating and a 98% referral rate. Contact our St. Paul movers today at 612-361-6787 to get started with a free quote.
Before moving to St. Paul MN, you may need to transfer your utilities to your new home. These are the providers you will need to know about when living in the city.
Do you need to change your address or get a Minnesota driver's license? To begin the process of changing your address, you'll need to visit a Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services office. You can schedule an appointment online and pre-apply for your license to minimize your wait time in the office.
St. Paul MN is a wise place to live for people who desire an urban environment with quiet residential areas compared to downtown Minneapolis. St. Paul is the state capital of Minnesota and has major institutions such as Macalester College and the University of St. Thomas. They have established neighborhoods within the area, and commute times are moderate by national standards.
The comparison between Minneapolis and St. Paul in terms of safety is difficult to estimate. There is no uniformly safer area in every neighborhood, so the better comparison is area by area rather than citywide. Both Minneapolis and St. Paul have crime dashboards that show incidents tagged by date and location. In general, there are lower crime rates in the residential areas of Highland Park, Saint Anthony Park, and Macalester-Groveland in St. Paul.
Highland Park is often described as the “nicest” neighborhood because it combines accessibility with single-family housing, shopping, access to the Mississippi River, the airport, and parks. It is also close to Macalester College and St. Catherine University, making houses and rent here in high demand.
There is no officially stated “safest” part of St. Paul, Minnesota. However, neighborhoods commonly described as safe include Macalester-Groveland, Saint Anthony Park, and Highland Park. These areas are well-established residential streets with access to schools, parks, and lower crime than denser areas of the city.
Minneapolis is more affluent than St. Paul in terms of income measures. The median household income of St. Paul in 2024 was $73,394. Meanwhile, Minneapolis reports higher figures. That being said, both cities include less affluent and affluent neighborhoods, which can make a significant difference.
If living in St. Paul MN sounds great to you, then get in touch with The Move Crew. The Move Crew has been in the industry for nearly a decade, completing over 10,000 moves and maintaining a 4.9/5 customer rating and a 98% referral rate for people moving to Minnesota. Contact our St. Paul movers today at 612-361-6787 to get started with a free quote.
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