St. Paul, MN vs Waterloo, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Waterloo has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | St. Paul | Waterloo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 90 | 68 | Waterloo |
| Housing | 80 ($874) | 43 ($627) | Waterloo |
| Transportation | 103 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | St. Paul |
| Food & groceries | 98 ($402) | 75 ($308) | Waterloo |
| Utilities | 90 ($144) | 72 ($77) | Waterloo |
| Healthcare | 90 ($104) | 72 ($56) | Waterloo |
| Median annual wage | 117 ($56,920) | 100 ($48,540) | Waterloo |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Paul, MN or Waterloo, IA cheaper to live in?
Waterloo, IA is cheaper overall by about 22 index points (St. Paul, MN: 90, Waterloo, IA: 68; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in St. Paul, MN vs Waterloo, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $31,500/year in St. Paul, MN and $23,800/year in Waterloo, IA to cover basic living costs.