$40K in Anaheim = $26,216 in St. Paul
Your $40K salary in Anaheim (COL 148) has the same purchasing power as $26,216 in St. Paul (COL 97). St. Paul is cheaper — your money goes 34% further there.
Budget breakdown — $40K in both cities
What $40K actually buys you in each city after taxes and core expenses.
| Expense | Anaheim $40K | St. Paul $40K (same salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $2,418 | $2,398 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,500 |
| Groceries | $410 | $384 |
| Transport | $100 | $95 |
| Utilities | $148 | $195 |
| Internet | $68 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | -$708/month | $161/month |
Frequently asked questions
What is $40K in Anaheim equivalent to in St. Paul?
$40K in Anaheim (COL index 148) has the same purchasing power as $26,216 in St. Paul (COL index 97). That's 34% less than your current salary.
If I move from Anaheim to St. Paul keeping my $40K salary, will I be better off?
Yes. If you keep earning $40K after moving to St. Paul, you'd have $869 more per month after core expenses — because St. Paul is cheaper than Anaheim.
How is the salary equivalent calculated?
The equivalent salary is calculated by multiplying your current salary by the ratio of the two cities' overall cost of living indices: $40K × (97 ÷ 148) = $26,216. This adjusts for differences in housing, food, transport, and general cost of living.
Other salary amounts — Anaheim to St. Paul
Equivalency uses overall COL index ratio. Take-home uses simplified federal/state brackets. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only