Moving from Oakland to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 162 for Oakland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 40% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Oakland lifestyle
Based on the 40% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Oakland | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $23,951 |
| $50K | $29,938 |
| $60K | $35,926 |
| $75K | $44,907 |
| $80K | $47,901 |
| $100K | $59,877 |
| $120K | $71,852 |
| $150K | $89,815 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Oakland vs St. Paul
| Expense | Oakland | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $2,700 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $426 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $148 | $195 |
| Internet | $70 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $715 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Oakland?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 162 for Oakland (100 = US average). That's about 40% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Oakland to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Oakland to St. Paul could save roughly $1,207/month on core expenses. That's ~$14,484/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Oakland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Oakland, you'd need roughly $44,907/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