St. Paul vs Springfield for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | St. Paul Minnesota | Springfield Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,200 | $800Better |
| 2BR rent / month | $2,000 | $1,300Better |
| Median home price | $310K | $165KBetter |
| Median household income | $65KBetter | $50K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,261 | $1,053Better |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 5%Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8%Better | 8.5% |
| Monthly utilities | $195 | $155Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 101 | 94Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — St. Paul or Springfield?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Springfield scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,300/mo in Springfield vs $2,000/mo. Springfield is approximately 16% 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 St. Paul vs Springfield?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,000/month in St. Paul and $1,300/month in Springfield. Springfield is 35% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in St. Paul or Springfield?
The price-to-income ratio in St. Paul is 4.8× ($310K median home, $65K median income). In Springfield it's 3.3× ($165K home, $50K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Springfield is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in St. Paul vs Springfield?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,261/month in St. Paul and $1,053/month in Springfield, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$2,496/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
St. Paul has a 9.9% state income tax rate vs Springfield's 5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $490/month in take-home pay.
$100K in St. Paul has the same purchasing power as $84K in Springfield
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026