Key factors that impact the cost of your Wichita to St. Paul move
What to know before moving from Wichita to St. Paul
Moving from Wichita to St. Paul comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since St. Paul is generally more expensive than Wichita, 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:
Wichita | St. Paul | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $930 | $1,350 |
Average home value | $190,905 | $278,221 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,712 | $63,483 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,107 | $3,633 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,818 | $4,290 |
Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 4.9% |
Sales tax | 7.5% | 9.88% |
State income tax | 5.7% | 9.85% |
- Rent prices in St. Paul are 45% higher than in Wichita, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Wichita.
Home prices in St. Paul are 45.7% higher than in Wichita. - Income in St. Paul is 4.6% higher than in Wichita, so you could earn more 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 72.4% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in St. Paul is 26.3% lower than in Wichita.
- The unemployment rate in St. Paul is 16.95% lower than in Wichita.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Paul, since the cityโs sales taxes in St. Paul are 31.73% higher than in Wichita.
- State income taxes in St. Paul are 72.81% higher than in Wichita.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,172.76 in St. Paul to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.
How life is different in Wichita vs. St. Paul
St. Paul | Wichita | |
---|---|---|
Population | 303,176 | 397,532 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 3 |
Walkability score | 60 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 64 | 44 |
Crime Index | 50.86 | 49.19 |
Safety Index | 49.14 | 50.81 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- St. Paul might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 24% less than Wichita.
- St. Paul offers better access to buses and trains than Wichita, based on public transportation ratings. St. Paul has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 3 in Wichita. 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 Wichita. St. Paul is considered more walkable than Wichita, with a score of 60 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Wichita. 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 Wichita 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 Wichita is rated as 44 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in St. Paul as Wichita. 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 Wichita, 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 Wichita. St. Paul has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Wichita. 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 Wichita 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Minnesota moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Minnesota doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to St. Paul. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in St. Paul
Ready to relocate to "Pigs Eye"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
After getting comfortable in your new Minnesota home, itโs time to see what St. Paul is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ thereโs plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in St. Paul include museums and art centers like 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 and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Wichita to St. Paul?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Wichita to St. Paul are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Wichita are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to St. Paul?
With many people choosing to move from Wichita 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 Wichita to St. Paul take?
Moving from Wichita, KS to St. Paul, MN covers 638 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Wichita movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Paul.