Moving from St. Paul to Albany (2026)
Albany has a COL index of 92 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$139/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9792
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500$1,400
per month
State tax
9.9%6.9%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,122$4,309
per month
Salary needed in Albany to match your St. Paul lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Paul | Equivalent in Albany |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,938 |
| $50K | $47,423 |
| $60K | $56,907 |
| $75K | $71,134 |
| $80K | $75,876 |
| $100K | $94,845 |
| $120K | $113,814 |
| $150K | $142,268 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Paul vs Albany
| Expense | St. Paul | Albany |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,400 |
| Groceries | $384 | $380 |
| Transport | $95 | $68 |
| Utilities | $195 | $185 |
| Internet | $63 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $1,885 | $2,211 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Albany cheaper than St. Paul?
Yes. Albany has a cost of living index of 92 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from St. Paul to Albany?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Paul to Albany could save roughly $139/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,668/year.
What salary do I need in Albany to match my St. Paul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $71,134/year in Albany. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Albany to St. PaulSt. Paul vs Albany — full comparisonSt. Paul cost of livingAlbany cost of living
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