Moving from Philadelphia to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Philadelphia lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Philadelphia | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,262 |
| $50K | $45,327 |
| $60K | $54,393 |
| $75K | $67,991 |
| $80K | $72,523 |
| $100K | $90,654 |
| $120K | $108,785 |
| $150K | $135,981 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Philadelphia vs St. Paul
| Expense | Philadelphia | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $391 | $384 |
| Transport | $96 | $95 |
| Utilities | $160 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,835 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Philadelphia?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Philadelphia to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Philadelphia to St. Paul could save roughly $475/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,700/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Philadelphia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Philadelphia, you'd need roughly $67,991/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