Moving from Waco to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 83 for Waco (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 17% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Waco lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Waco | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $46,747 |
| $50K | $58,434 |
| $60K | $70,120 |
| $75K | $87,651 |
| $80K | $93,494 |
| $100K | $116,867 |
| $120K | $140,241 |
| $150K | $175,301 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Waco vs St. Paul
| Expense | Waco | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $350 | $384 |
| Transport | $38 | $95 |
| Utilities | $172 | $195 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $3,121 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Waco?
No. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 83 for Waco (100 = US average). That's about 17% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Waco to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Paul run about $617/month more than Waco. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Waco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Waco, you'd need roughly $87,651/year in St. Paul. 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