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Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD 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.

16.7% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
33.9% 33.9% cheaper housing
7.7% 7.7% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 33.9% cheaper
Baltimore
112
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 7.7% cheaper
Baltimore
104
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 9.1% cheaper
Baltimore
110
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 7.7% cheaper
Baltimore
104
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 5.6% cheaper
Baltimore
108
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Baltimore, MD St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1089016.7% less
Housing1127433.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$220,000$185,00015.9% less
Groceries104967.7% less
Transportation1101009.1% less
Healthcare104967.7% less
Utilities1081025.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Baltimore, MD St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax5.75% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.99%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Baltimore, MD
$58,000
Median household income
St. Louis, MO
$52,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in St. Louis outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

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

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Based on overall cost index: Baltimore (108) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Baltimore5.0%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Baltimore1.7%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
BaltimoreHealthcare, Education, Defense
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Baltimore31 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Baltimore67
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Baltimore44
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Baltimore56°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Baltimore585,708
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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 33.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Baltimore vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Baltimore and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Baltimore or St. Louis?+
Maryland has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Baltimore to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Baltimore is $58,000 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 Baltimore vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Baltimore is $220,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $35,000. Property tax rates also differ: Maryland averages 0.99% while Missouri averages 0.88%.