Moving from St. Paul to Raleigh (2026)
Raleigh has a COL index of 101 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 4% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Raleigh to match your St. Paul lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Paul | Equivalent in Raleigh |
|---|---|
| $40K | $41,649 |
| $50K | $52,062 |
| $60K | $62,474 |
| $75K | $78,093 |
| $80K | $83,299 |
| $100K | $104,124 |
| $120K | $124,948 |
| $150K | $156,186 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Paul vs Raleigh
| Expense | St. Paul | Raleigh |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,700 |
| Groceries | $384 | $365 |
| Transport | $95 | $70 |
| Utilities | $195 | $150 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,885 | $2,114 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Raleigh cheaper than St. Paul?
No. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 101 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 4% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Paul to Raleigh?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Raleigh run about $108/month more than St. Paul. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my St. Paul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $78,093/year in Raleigh. 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