Moving from Amsterdam to St. Paul (2026)

St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 85 for Amsterdam (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 15% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$1,619 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
85 โ†’ 97
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,800 โ†’ $1,500
per month
State tax
31% โ†’ 9.9%
income tax
COL difference
85 โ†’ 97
15% more expensive

Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Amsterdam lifestyle

Based on the 15% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in AmsterdamEquivalent in St. Paul
$40K$45,917
$50K$57,396
$60K$68,876
$75K$86,095
$80K$91,834
$100K$114,793
$120K$137,751
$150K$172,189

Adjust your salary

Save ~$243/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Amsterdam vs St. Paul

ExpenseAmsterdamSt. Paul
Monthly take-home$3,000$4,122
1BR rent$1,800$1,500
Groceries$380$384
Transport$150$95
Utilities$110$195
Internet$40$63
Left after essentials$520$1,885

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $243 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$296,453

over 30 years compared to staying in Amsterdam โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$243/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Paul cheaper than Amsterdam?

No. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 85 for Amsterdam (100 = US average). That's about 15% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Amsterdam to St. Paul?

On a $75K salary, moving from Amsterdam to St. Paul saves roughly $1,619/month on core expenses. That's ~$19,428/year.

What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Amsterdam lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Amsterdam, you'd need roughly $86,095/year in St. Paul. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only