St. Paul · Pricing · Updated July 2026
How much do nails cost in St. Paul?
Typical St. Paul ranges — near the national median, with Highland Park and Grand Avenue at the higher end and downtown and Frogtown more affordable.
The 2026 price table
Typical ranges across the city — we refine these against published salon menus as our reviews continue. Twin Cities pricing sits near the national median; Highland Park and Grand Avenue salons trend toward the higher end, with downtown and Frogtown shops more affordable.
| Service | Typical St. Paul price | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Classic manicure | $21–31 | Polish brand, massage length |
| Gel manicure | $35–50 | Brand of gel, French/chrome add-ons |
| Russian (dry) manicure + gel | $63–95 | Tech's training, appointment length |
| Gel-X extensions (full set) | $50–85 | Length, shape, art |
| Acrylic full set | $39–72 | Length, sculpted vs. tips; fills run less |
| Builder gel / BIAB overlay | $36–59 | Overlay vs. short extension |
| Classic pedicure | $25–40 | Massage time, callus work |
| Spa / deluxe pedicure | $40–65 | Scrubs, masks, extended massage |
| Nail art | $5–25 per nail | Hand-painting time, 3D details |
| Gel removal (with service) | $5–15 | Often waived with a new set |
Cost-per-week: the honest way to compare
A $35 gel manicure that lasts about 12 days runs roughly $2 a week. A longer-wear Russian manicure or builder-gel overlay worn 4 weeks often costs less per week — with cleaner grow-out the whole time. Our Russian manicure guide explains why they last.
Tipping in St. Paul
18–20% is standard; cash is preferred by most technicians. Check whether gratuity is added for larger groups before tipping twice.
Ready to pick a salon? The researched St. Paul salon directory lists who's worth knowing, by neighborhood.