Can I Afford to Live in St. Paul vs Louisville on $75K?
Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | St. Paul MN | Louisville KY |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,122 | $4,491 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,300 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $361 |
| Transport (est.) | $95 | $60 |
| Utilities | $195 | $162 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,885/month | $2,548/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $75K a good salary in St. Paul?
At $75K/year in St. Paul, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,122. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $75K a good salary in Louisville?
At $75K/year in Louisville, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,491. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?
Louisville leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,548/month vs $1,885/month in St. Paul.
Can I afford to live alone in St. Paul on $75K?
It's tight. Rent in St. Paul would take 36% of your $75K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only