St. Paul vs Dallas for Remote Workers (2026)
Scroll down for internet costs, SF savings estimate, and FAQ.
Remote work cost breakdown
| Metric | St. Paul Minnesota | Dallas Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97Better | 99 |
| State income tax | 9.9% | None (0%)Better |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,500Better | $1,500 |
| Internet / month | $63 | $60Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 67 / 100Better | 46 / 100 |
| Monthly utilities | $195 | $175Better |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8%Better | 8.3% |
| Est. monthly savings vs SF | +$5,000Better | +$4,897 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul or Dallas better for remote workers?
For remote workers, St. Paul edges ahead on overall cost of living, internet costs, and taxes. The no-state-income-tax advantage in Dallas is particularly valuable for remote workers with high salaries. The best choice depends on your priorities — cost vs walkability vs community.
How much money can I save working remotely in St. Paul vs staying in San Francisco?
If you earn $120K remotely and relocate from San Francisco (COL index 194) to St. Paul (COL index 97), you'd save approximately $5,000/month on equivalent purchasing power — or about $60,000/year. This doesn't account for potential salary adjustments.
What is internet service like in St. Paul vs Dallas?
Median monthly internet costs are $63 in St. Paul and $60 in Dallas. Both cities have competitive broadband options suitable for remote work, including gigabit fiber in most areas.
Can I negotiate a remote salary if I move from a high-cost city to St. Paul or Dallas?
Many employers now use location-based pay. Moving from a top-tier city to St. Paul could trigger a salary adjustment. Even at 85% of a $150K SF salary ($127.5K), the lower COL in St. Paul or Dallas typically means significantly higher purchasing power and take-home after local taxes.
Which city has better walkability for remote workers who don't need to commute?
St. Paul has a higher walk score (67 vs 46), meaning more errands, coffee shops, and restaurants are reachable on foot — a big quality-of-life factor when you're home all day. Walk scores above 70 are considered "very walkable."
$100K in St. Paul has the same purchasing power as $102K in Dallas
SF savings estimate based on COL index vs San Francisco (194). Actual savings depend on lifestyle and salary adjustments. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026