Moving from Des Moines to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 11% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $44,598 |
| $50K | $55,747 |
| $60K | $66,897 |
| $75K | $83,621 |
| $80K | $89,195 |
| $100K | $111,494 |
| $120K | $133,793 |
| $150K | $167,241 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs St. Paul
| Expense | Des Moines | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $365 | $384 |
| Transport | $50 | $95 |
| Utilities | $155 | $195 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Des Moines?
No. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 11% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Paul run about $407/month more than Des Moines. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $83,621/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