Home › Compare › Fort Worth, TX vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Fort Worth, TX 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.

5.3% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
17.8% 17.8% cheaper 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 17.8% cheaper
Fort Worth
90
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Fort Worth
95
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Fort Worth
98
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Fort Worth
96
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Fort Worth
103
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Fort Worth, TX St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index95905.3% less
Housing907417.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,250$1,00020.0% less
Median Home Price$300,000$185,00038.3% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities103102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Fort Worth, TX St. Louis, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.25%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Fort Worth, TX
$68,000
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 Fort Worth lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Fort Worth (95) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Fort Worth3.9%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Fort Worth3.0%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
Fort WorthAerospace, Logistics, Manufacturing
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Fort Worth27 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Fort Worth32
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Fort Worth47
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Fort Worth65°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Fort Worth978,468
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Fort Worth 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 Fort Worth 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 17.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,250/month in Fort Worth and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $250 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Fort Worth or St. Louis?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. 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 Fort Worth to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Fort Worth is $68,000 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 Fort Worth vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Fort Worth is $300,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $115,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Missouri averages 0.88%.