($1,482) Movers From Washington DC, MD to St. Paul, MN

What to know before moving from Washington DC to St. Paul

Moving from Washington DC to St. Paul means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Washington DC than in St. Paul, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Washington DC compares to St. Paul so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in St. Paul are 44% lower than in Washington DC, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in St. Paul.
  Home prices in St. Paul are 53.2% lower than in Washington DC.
• Income in St. Paul is 37.6% lower than in Washington DC, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in St. Paul include Siemens, ACS Group, and 3M.
• The cost of living for a single person in St. Paul is 8.3% lower than in Washington DC. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in St. Paul is 61.3% lower than in Washington DC.
• The unemployment rate in St. Paul is 30.00% lower than in Washington DC.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Paul, since the city’s sales taxes in St. Paul are 64.67% higher than in Washington DC.
• State income taxes in St. Paul are 71.30% higher than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,750.19 in St. Paul to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. St. Paul

• St. Paul might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 57% less than Washington DC.
• Getting around St. Paul without a car might be more difficult than in Washington DC. St. Paul has a public transportation score of 8 out of 10, whereas Washington DC is ranked 9. Ratings are based on a city’s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• St. Paul neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Washington DC. Based on its score of 60 out of 100, St. Paul isn’t as walkable as Washington DC, which has a score of 77 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
• You probably won’t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in St. Paul, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Washington DC. While Washington DC has a bike-friendliness score of 70 out of 100, St. Paul earned a 64. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• St. Paul has a lower crime rate than Washington DC based on scores of 50.86 and Washington DC's 60.37, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You might find more confidence in your overall safety in St. Paul than in Washington DC, based on St. Paul’s safety index of 49.14 versus 39.63 for Washington DC. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
• The air quality in St. Paul and Washington DC is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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\’t require moving permits, but it\’s 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. You’ll 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.

Helpful moving resources