Key factors that impact the cost of your Plano to St. Paul movetoggle

The cost of Plano movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Plano to St. Paul (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,382, while larger moves may reach $8,280 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Plano.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $721 to $1,919, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Plano to St. Paul

Moving from Plano to St. Paul comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since St. Paul is generally more expensive than Plano, itโ€™s 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:

Plano St. Paul
Average rent cost $2,100 $1,350
Average home value $511,000 $278,221
Average income (per capita) $67,874 $63,483
Cost of living (single person) $2,506 $3,633
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,078 $4,290
Unemployment rate 5.5% 4.9%
Sales tax 8.25% 9.88%
State income tax 0.0% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in St. Paul are 36% lower than in Plano, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in St. Paul.
    Home prices in St. Paul are 45.6% lower than in Plano.
  • Income in St. Paul is 6.5% lower than in Plano, 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 45.0% higher than in Plano. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in St. Paul is 29.4% lower than in Plano.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Paul is 10.91% lower than in Plano.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in St. Paul, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in St. Paul are 19.76% higher than in Plano.
  • State income taxes in St. Paul are 9.85% higher than in Plano.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,349.16 in St. Paul to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Plano.

How life is different in Plano vs. St. Paul

St. Paul Plano
Population 303,176 285,494
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 2
Walkability score 60 41
Bike friendliness score 64 52
Crime Index 50.86 23.02
Safety Index 49.14 76.98
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of St. Paul is about 6% greater than Plano, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • St. Paul offers better access to buses and trains than Plano, based on public transportation ratings. St. Paul has a transit score of 8 out of 10 compared to 2 in Plano. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in St. Paul means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Plano. St. Paul is considered more walkable than Plano, with a score of 60 out of 100 versus 41 out of 100 in Plano. A cityโ€™s 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 Plano 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 Plano is rated as 52 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in St. Paul is higher than in Plano, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.86 in St. Paul, it is 23.02 in Plano. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in St. Paul. With a crime index of 49.14, St. Paul ranks lower in overall safety than Plano, whose index is Plano's 76.98. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in St. Paul and Plano 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 Plano 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Minnesota, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Minnesota doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to St. Paul without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in St. Paul

With your sights set on "Pigs Eye", these are some of the most popular 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

Now that you've made the move to Minnesota, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore St. Paul. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll 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 cityโ€™s 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 Plano to St. Paul?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Plano to St. Paul are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Plano are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Plano to St. Paul?

With many people choosing to move from Plano 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 Plano to St. Paul take?

Moving from Plano, TX to St. Paul, MN covers 926 miles and usually takes two to seven days. Need to move faster? Some Plano movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Paul.

Helpful moving resources