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Cost of Living: Detroit, MI 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.

1.1% St. Louis, MO is more expensive overall
8.8% 8.8% more expensive housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.8% more
Detroit
68
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Detroit
95
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Detroit
102
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Detroit
96
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Detroit
104
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Detroit, MI St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index8990~Same
Housing68748.8% more
Median 1BR Rent$900$1,00011.1% more
Median Home Price$85,000$185,000117.6% more
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation102100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities104102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Detroit, MI St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax4.25%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.32%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Detroit, MI
$42,000
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 Detroit lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Detroit (89) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Detroit6.2%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Detroit1.5%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
DetroitAuto, Manufacturing, Healthcare
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Detroit27 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Detroit55
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Detroit44
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Detroit49°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Detroit639,111
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Detroit 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 Detroit or St. Louis cheaper to live in?+
Detroit is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 8.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Detroit vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $900/month in Detroit and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Detroit or St. Louis?+
Michigan has a state income tax of 4.25% 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 Detroit to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Detroit is $42,000 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 Detroit vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Detroit is $85,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $100,000. Property tax rates also differ: Michigan averages 1.32% while Missouri averages 0.88%.