Moving from Montgomery to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 20% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Montgomery lifestyle
Based on the 20% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Montgomery | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $47,901 |
| $50K | $59,877 |
| $60K | $71,852 |
| $75K | $89,815 |
| $80K | $95,802 |
| $100K | $119,753 |
| $120K | $143,704 |
| $150K | $179,630 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Montgomery vs St. Paul
| Expense | Montgomery | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,050 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $353 | $384 |
| Transport | $38 | $95 |
| Utilities | $170 | $195 |
| Internet | $58 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,759 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Montgomery?
No. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). That's about 20% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Montgomery to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Paul run about $568/month more than Montgomery. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Montgomery lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Montgomery, you'd need roughly $89,815/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