Moving from Washington to St. Paul (2026)
St. Paul has a COL index of 97 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 37% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Paul to match your Washington lifestyle
Based on the 37% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Washington | Equivalent in St. Paul |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,359 |
| $50K | $31,699 |
| $60K | $38,039 |
| $75K | $47,549 |
| $80K | $50,719 |
| $100K | $63,399 |
| $120K | $76,078 |
| $150K | $95,098 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Washington vs St. Paul
| Expense | Washington | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,378 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $3,100 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $422 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $190 | $195 |
| Internet | $75 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $491 | $1,885 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Paul cheaper than Washington?
Yes. St. Paul has a cost of living index of 97 vs 153 for Washington (100 = US average). That's about 37% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Washington to St. Paul?
On a $75K salary, moving from Washington to St. Paul could save roughly $1,650/month on core expenses. That's ~$19,800/year.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match my Washington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Washington, you'd need roughly $47,549/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