Moving from Lincoln to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 86 for Lincoln (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 13% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Lincoln lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Lincoln | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $45,116 |
| $50K | $56,395 |
| $60K | $67,674 |
| $75K | $84,593 |
| $80K | $90,233 |
| $100K | $112,791 |
| $120K | $135,349 |
| $150K | $169,186 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Lincoln vs St. Paul
| Expense | Lincoln | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,150 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $357 | $384 |
| Transport | $48 | $95 |
| Utilities | $152 | $195 |
| Internet | $58 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,613 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Lincoln?
No. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 86 for Lincoln (100 = US average). That's about 13% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Lincoln to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Paul run about $472/month more than Lincoln. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Lincoln lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Lincoln, you'd need roughly $84,593/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