Key factors that impact the cost of your Phoenix to St. Paul move
What to know before moving from Phoenix to St. Paul
Moving from Phoenix to St. Paul comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since St. Paul is generally more expensive than Phoenix, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Phoenix | St. Paul | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,695 | $1,350 |
Average home value | $411,139 | $278,221 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,552 | $63,483 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,369 | $3,633 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,226 | $4,290 |
Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.9% |
Sales tax | 8.6% | 9.88% |
State income tax | 2.5% | 9.85% |
- Rent prices in St. Paul are 20% lower than in Phoenix, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in St. Paul.
Home prices in St. Paul are 32.3% lower than in Phoenix. - Income in St. Paul is 1.7% lower than in Phoenix, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in St. Paul include Siemens, ACS Group, and 3M.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in St. Paul, since the cost of living for a single person in St. Paul is 53.4% higher than in Phoenix. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in St. Paul is 17.9% lower than in Phoenix.
- The unemployment rate in St. Paul is 25.76% lower than in Phoenix.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Paul, since the cityโs sales taxes in St. Paul are 14.88% higher than in Phoenix.
- State income taxes in St. Paul are 294.00% higher than in Phoenix.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,600.68 in St. Paul to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Phoenix.
How life is different in Phoenix vs. St. Paul
St. Paul | Phoenix | |
---|---|---|
Population | 303,176 | 1,608,139 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 6 |
Walkability score | 60 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 64 | 56 |
Crime Index | 50.86 | 53.06 |
Safety Index | 49.14 | 46.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- St. Paul might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 81% less than Phoenix.
- St. Paul offers better access to buses and trains than Phoenix, based on public transportation ratings. St. Paul has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 6 in Phoenix. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
- Living in St. Paul means youโll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Phoenix. St. Paul is considered more walkable than Phoenix, with a score of 60 out of 100 versus 41 out of 100 in Phoenix. A cityโs walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, St. Paul is considered more bike-friendly than Phoenix in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. St. Paul has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, while Phoenix is rated as 56 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in St. Paul as Phoenix. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ100.
- St. Paul is generally as safe as Phoenix, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- You can breathe easy knowing that St. Paul has better air quality than in Phoenix. St. Paul has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Phoenix. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Phoenix vs. St. Paul move
- Weather: St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Minnesota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to St. Paul. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in St. Paul
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Pigs Eye", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in St. Paul.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- St. Anthony Park
- Summit Hill
- Summit-University
- Union Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Macalester-Groveland
- Summit Hill
- Highland
- Union Park
- St. Anthony Park
Things to do in St. Paul
Now that you've made the move to Minnesota, itโs the perfect time to explore St. Paul. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโs something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Youโll find museums and cultural hubs throughout St. Paul, such as the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, James J. Hill House, and Minnesota Children's Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park โ along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Minnesota Wild (NHL), St. Paul Saints (MiLB), St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL), or Minnesota United FC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to St. Paul?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Phoenix to St. Paul are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Phoenix are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Phoenix to St. Paul?
With many people choosing to move from Phoenix to St. Paul in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Phoenix to St. Paul take?
Moving from Phoenix, AZ to St. Paul, MN covers 1,646 miles and usually takes four to 15 days. Need to move faster? Some Phoenix movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Paul.