Moving from St. Paul to Springfield (2026)
Springfield has a COL index of 79 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Springfield to match your St. Paul lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Paul | Equivalent in Springfield |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,577 |
| $50K | $40,722 |
| $60K | $48,866 |
| $75K | $61,082 |
| $80K | $65,155 |
| $100K | $81,443 |
| $120K | $97,732 |
| $150K | $122,165 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Paul vs Springfield
| Expense | St. Paul | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $950 |
| Groceries | $384 | $353 |
| Transport | $95 | $42 |
| Utilities | $195 | $155 |
| Internet | $63 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $1,885 | $2,889 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $679 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in St. Paul — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Springfield cheaper than St. Paul?
Yes. Springfield has a cost of living index of 79 vs 97 for St. Paul (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from St. Paul to Springfield?
On a $75K salary, moving from St. Paul to Springfield saves roughly $875/month on core expenses. That's ~$10,500/year.
What salary do I need in Springfield to match my St. Paul lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Paul, you'd need roughly $61,082/year in Springfield. 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