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Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs St. Louis, MO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

15.9% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
35.1% 35.1% cheaper housing
5.9% 5.9% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 35.1% cheaper
Atlanta
114
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 8.3% cheaper
Atlanta
109
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 5.9% cheaper
Atlanta
102
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 3.0% more
Atlanta
99
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Atlanta, GA St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1079015.9% less
Housing1147435.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,650$1,00039.4% less
Median Home Price$380,000$185,00051.3% less
Groceries102965.9% less
Transportation1091008.3% less
Healthcare102965.9% less
Utilities991023.0% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Atlanta, GA St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax5.39%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.72%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Atlanta, GA
$75,000
Median household income
St. Louis, MO
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: St. Louis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in St. Louis to maintain your Atlanta lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Atlanta (107) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Atlanta3.7%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Atlanta3.4%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
AtlantaLogistics, Film, Tech
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Atlanta32 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Atlanta48
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Atlanta43
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Atlanta62°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Atlanta499,127
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Atlanta and St. Louis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in St. Louis →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Atlanta or St. Louis cheaper to live in?+
St. Louis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 35.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Atlanta vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,650/month in Atlanta and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $650 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Atlanta or St. Louis?+
Georgia has a state income tax of 5.39% and sales tax of 4.00%. Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Atlanta to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Atlanta is $75,000 compared to $52,000 in St. Louis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Atlanta vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Atlanta is $380,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $195,000. Property tax rates also differ: Georgia averages 0.72% while Missouri averages 0.88%.