Data last updated: October 2026

San Francisco, CASaint Paul, MN

You would need around 57.4% less money in Saint Paul, MN to maintain the same standard of living you have in San Francisco, CA.

Overall Cost of Living

57.4%

Saint Paul, MN is cheaper than San Francisco, CA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A3,643 USD
City B1,346 USD
Difference-63.1%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A345 USD
City B240 USD
Difference-30.4%

Average Net Salary

City A7,873 USD
City B4,128 USD
Difference-47.6%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from San Francisco, CA 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 57.4% 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 63.1% less than in San Francisco, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA.

USD

You need in Saint Paul, MN

3,357 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

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

By moving from San Francisco, CA to Saint Paul, MN and investing the 57% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 8.6 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your San Francisco, CA 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 2297 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 ~385,896 USD in 10 years.