Moving from Seattle to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 35% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 35% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,867 |
| $50K | $32,333 |
| $60K | $38,800 |
| $75K | $48,500 |
| $80K | $51,733 |
| $100K | $64,667 |
| $120K | $77,600 |
| $150K | $97,000 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs St. Paul
| Expense | Seattle | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $410 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $120 | $195 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $1,885 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $858 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Seattle — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 35% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to St. Paul saves roughly $281/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,372/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $48,500/year in St. Paul. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only