Moving from Columbia to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 10% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Columbia lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Columbia | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $44,091 |
| $50K | $55,114 |
| $60K | $66,136 |
| $75K | $82,670 |
| $80K | $88,182 |
| $100K | $110,227 |
| $120K | $132,273 |
| $150K | $165,341 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Columbia vs St. Paul
| Expense | Columbia | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $365 | $384 |
| Transport | $45 | $95 |
| Utilities | $158 | $195 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,569 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Columbia?
No. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 88 for Columbia (100 = US average). That's about 10% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Columbia to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Paul run about $359/month more than Columbia. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Columbia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Columbia, you'd need roughly $82,670/year in St. Paul. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only