Moving from Sacramento to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Sacramento lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Sacramento | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,551 |
| $50K | $38,189 |
| $60K | $45,827 |
| $75K | $57,283 |
| $80K | $61,102 |
| $100K | $76,378 |
| $120K | $91,654 |
| $150K | $114,567 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Sacramento vs St. Paul
| Expense | Sacramento | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $403 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $150 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,441 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Sacramento?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 127 for Sacramento (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Sacramento to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Sacramento to St. Paul could save roughly $481/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,772/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Sacramento lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Sacramento, you'd need roughly $57,283/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