Moving from St. Paul to Oaxaca (2026)

Oaxaca has a COL index of 32 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). You'd pay about 67% less for the same lifestyle.

Save ~$1,719/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
97 โ†’ 32
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500 โ†’ $400
per month
State tax
9.9% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
97 โ†’ 32
67% cheaper

Salary needed in Oaxaca to match your St. Paul lifestyle

Based on the 67% cost of living decrease between the two cities.

Your salary in St. PaulEquivalent in Oaxaca
$40K$13,196
$50K$16,495
$60K$19,794
$75K$24,742
$80K$26,392
$100K$32,990
$120K$39,588
$150K$49,485

Adjust your salary

Save ~$1,237/moon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” St. Paul vs Oaxaca

ExpenseSt. PaulOaxaca
Monthly take-home$4,122$4,741
1BR rent$1,500$400
Groceries$384$380
Transport$95$150
Utilities$195$45
Internet$63$25
Left after essentials$1,885$3,741

30-Year Wealth Builder

If you invest your monthly savings of $1,237 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:

$1,509,104

over 30 years compared to staying in St. Paul โ€” that's the real price of a city.

$1,237/mo invested

Frequently asked questions

Is Oaxaca cheaper than St. Paul?

Yes. Oaxaca has a cost of living index of 32 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 67% cheaper.

How much will I save moving from St. Paul to Oaxaca?

On a $75K salary, moving from St. Paul to Oaxaca saves roughly $1,719/month on core expenses. That's ~$20,628/year.

What salary do I need in Oaxaca to match my St. Paul lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $24,742/year in Oaxaca. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only