Data last updated: October 2026

Madison, WISaint Paul, MN

You would need around 18.1% less money in Saint Paul, MN to maintain the same standard of living you have in Madison, WI.

Overall Cost of Living

18.1%

Saint Paul, MN is cheaper than Madison, WI

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,717 USD
City B1,346 USD
Difference-21.6%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A265 USD
City B240 USD
Difference-9.4%

Average Net Salary

City A4,486 USD
City B4,128 USD
Difference-8.0%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Madison, WI to Saint Paul, MN? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Saint Paul, MN is 18.1% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Saint Paul, MN's center costs around 1,346 USD, which is a staggering 21.6% less than in Madison, WI. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Madison, WI and Saint Paul, MN is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Saint Paul, MN to maintain your current lifestyle in Madison, WI.

USD

You need in Saint Paul, MN

3,672 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Madison, WI to Saint Paul, MN and investing the 18% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 2.7 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Madison, WI budget to local Saint Paul, MN prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1346 USD
Groceries240 USD
Utilities & Internet262 USD

Investment Planner

You save 371 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Saint Paul, MN.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~62,328 USD in 10 years.