Home › Compare › Colorado Springs, CO vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Colorado Springs, CO 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.

10.9% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
32.7% 32.7% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.7% cheaper
Colorado Springs
110
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Colorado Springs
98
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Colorado Springs
100
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 10.9% more
Colorado Springs
92
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Colorado Springs, CO St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1019010.9% less
Housing1107432.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$400,000$185,00053.8% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities9210210.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Colorado Springs, CO St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax4.40%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax2.90%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.49%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Colorado Springs, CO
$72,000
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 Colorado Springs lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Colorado Springs (101) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Colorado Springs3.4%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Colorado Springs3.1%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
Colorado SpringsMilitary, Tech, Tourism
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Colorado Springs24 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Colorado Springs34
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Colorado Springs40
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Colorado Springs49°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Colorado Springs478,961
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Colorado Springs 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 Colorado Springs 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 32.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Colorado Springs and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Colorado Springs or St. Louis?+
Colorado has a state income tax of 4.40% and sales tax of 2.90%. 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 Colorado Springs to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $72,000 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 Colorado Springs vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Colorado Springs is $400,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $215,000. Property tax rates also differ: Colorado averages 0.49% while Missouri averages 0.88%.