Moving from Las Cruces to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 82 for Las Cruces (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 18% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Las Cruces lifestyle
Based on the 18% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Las Cruces | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $47,317 |
| $50K | $59,146 |
| $60K | $70,976 |
| $75K | $88,720 |
| $80K | $94,634 |
| $100K | $118,293 |
| $120K | $141,951 |
| $150K | $177,439 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Las Cruces vs St. Paul
| Expense | Las Cruces | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $350 | $384 |
| Transport | $38 | $95 |
| Utilities | $152 | $195 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,834 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Las Cruces?
No. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 82 for Las Cruces (100 = US average). That's about 18% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Las Cruces to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Paul run about $637/month more than Las Cruces. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Las Cruces lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Las Cruces, you'd need roughly $88,720/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