Moving from New York to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). You'd pay about 48% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your New York lifestyle
Based on the 48% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in New York | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $20,749 |
| $50K | $25,936 |
| $60K | $31,123 |
| $75K | $38,904 |
| $80K | $41,497 |
| $100K | $51,872 |
| $120K | $62,246 |
| $150K | $77,807 |
Monthly budget at $75K — New York vs St. Paul
| Expense | New York | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $3,500 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $437 | $384 |
| Transport | $132 | $95 |
| Utilities | $180 | $195 |
| Internet | $75 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $-15 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than New York?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). That's about 48% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from New York to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from New York to St. Paul could save roughly $2,087/month on core expenses. That's ~$25,044/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my New York lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in New York, you'd need roughly $38,904/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