Moving from San Diego to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your San Diego lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Diego | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,216 |
| $50K | $32,770 |
| $60K | $39,324 |
| $75K | $49,155 |
| $80K | $52,432 |
| $100K | $65,541 |
| $120K | $78,649 |
| $150K | $98,311 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Diego vs St. Paul
| Expense | San Diego | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $414 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $130 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $850 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than San Diego?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Diego to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Diego to St. Paul could save roughly $1,072/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,864/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my San Diego lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Diego, you'd need roughly $49,155/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