Moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Minneapolis lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Minneapolis | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,604 |
| $50K | $45,755 |
| $60K | $54,906 |
| $75K | $68,632 |
| $80K | $73,208 |
| $100K | $91,509 |
| $120K | $109,811 |
| $150K | $137,264 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Minneapolis vs St. Paul
| Expense | Minneapolis | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $391 | $384 |
| Transport | $95 | $95 |
| Utilities | $195 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,676 | $1,885 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $209 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Minneapolis — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Minneapolis?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 106 for Minneapolis (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul saves roughly $200/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,400/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Minneapolis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Minneapolis, you'd need roughly $68,632/year in St. Paul. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only