Moving from St. Paul to Phoenix (2026)

Phoenix has a COL index of 100 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 3% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$463 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
97 โ†’ 100
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,500 โ†’ $1,500
per month
State tax
9.9% โ†’ 2.5%
income tax
COL difference
97 โ†’ 100
3% more expensive

Salary needed in Phoenix to match your St. Paul lifestyle

Based on the 3% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in St. PaulEquivalent in Phoenix
$40K$41,237
$50K$51,546
$60K$61,856
$75K$77,320
$80K$82,474
$100K$103,093
$120K$123,711
$150K$154,639

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Save ~$34/moon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpenseSt. PaulPhoenix
Monthly take-home$4,122$4,584
1BR rent$1,500$1,500
Groceries$384$369
Transport$95$64
Utilities$195$210
Internet$63$60
Left after essentials$1,885$2,381

Frequently asked questions

Is Phoenix cheaper than St. Paul?

No. Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 3% more expensive.

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

On a $75K salary, moving from St. Paul to Phoenix saves roughly $463/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,556/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $77,320/year in Phoenix. 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