Amarillo vs St. Paul for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Amarillo Texas | St. Paul Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $750Better | $1,200 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,250Better | $2,000 |
| Median home price | $200KBetter | $310K |
| Median household income | $50K | $65KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,040Better | $1,261 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 9.9% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3% | 8%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $170Better | $195 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 91Better | 101 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Amarillo or St. Paul?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Amarillo scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,250/mo in Amarillo vs $2,000/mo. Amarillo is approximately 18% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Amarillo vs St. Paul?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,250/month in Amarillo and $2,000/month in St. Paul. Amarillo is 38% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Amarillo or St. Paul?
The price-to-income ratio in Amarillo is 4.0× ($200K median home, $50K median income). In St. Paul it's 4.8× ($310K home, $65K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Amarillo is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Amarillo vs St. Paul?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,040/month in Amarillo and $1,261/month in St. Paul, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$2,652/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Amarillo (Texas) has no state income tax vs St. Paul's 9.9% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $990/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Amarillo has the same purchasing power as $121K in St. Paul
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026