St. Paul vs Madison for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | St. Paul Minnesota | Madison Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,200Better | $1,300 |
| 2BR rent / month | $2,000Better | $2,200 |
| Median home price | $310KBetter | $360K |
| Median household income | $65K | $68KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,261Better | $1,261 |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 7.7%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8% | 5.4%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $195 | $162Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 101Better | 101 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — St. Paul or Madison?
St. Paul and Madison are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in St. Paul vs Madison?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,000/month in St. Paul and $2,200/month in Madison. St. Paul is 9% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in St. Paul or Madison?
The price-to-income ratio in St. Paul is 4.8× ($310K median home, $65K median income). In Madison it's 5.3× ($360K home, $68K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — St. Paul is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in St. Paul vs Madison?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,261/month in St. Paul and $1,261/month in Madison, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$0/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
St. Paul has a 9.9% state income tax rate vs Madison's 7.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $220/month in take-home pay.
$100K in St. Paul has the same purchasing power as $100K in Madison
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026