Moving from Los Angeles to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 44% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 44% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $22,428 |
| $50K | $28,035 |
| $60K | $33,642 |
| $75K | $42,052 |
| $80K | $44,855 |
| $100K | $56,069 |
| $120K | $67,283 |
| $150K | $84,104 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs St. Paul
| Expense | Los Angeles | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $410 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $145 | $195 |
| Internet | $70 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 44% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to St. Paul could save roughly $1,288/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,456/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $42,052/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