Moving from Portland to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 22% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 22% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $31,040 |
| $50K | $38,800 |
| $60K | $46,560 |
| $75K | $58,200 |
| $80K | $62,080 |
| $100K | $77,600 |
| $120K | $93,120 |
| $150K | $116,400 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs St. Paul
| Expense | Portland | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $407 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $130 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Portland?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 22% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to St. Paul could save roughly $365/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,380/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $58,200/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