Moving from Fort Collins to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). You'd pay about 2% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Fort Collins lifestyle
Based on the 2% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Collins | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,192 |
| $50K | $48,990 |
| $60K | $58,788 |
| $75K | $73,485 |
| $80K | $78,384 |
| $100K | $97,980 |
| $120K | $117,576 |
| $150K | $146,970 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Collins vs St. Paul
| Expense | Fort Collins | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $384 | $384 |
| Transport | $55 | $95 |
| Utilities | $140 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,122 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Fort Collins?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 99 for Fort Collins (100 = US average). That's about 2% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Collins to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Collins to St. Paul could save roughly $107/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,284/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Fort Collins lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Collins, you'd need roughly $73,485/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