Moving from Nashville to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 13% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Nashville lifestyle
Based on the 13% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Nashville | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,643 |
| $50K | $43,304 |
| $60K | $51,964 |
| $75K | $64,955 |
| $80K | $69,286 |
| $100K | $86,607 |
| $120K | $103,929 |
| $150K | $129,911 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Nashville vs St. Paul
| Expense | Nashville | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $365 | $384 |
| Transport | $70 | $95 |
| Utilities | $170 | $195 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,276 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Nashville?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 112 for Nashville (100 = US average). That's about 13% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Nashville to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Nashville to St. Paul could save roughly $228/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,736/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Nashville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Nashville, you'd need roughly $64,955/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