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Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL 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.

6.2% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
24.5% 24.5% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 24.5% cheaper
Jacksonville
98
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Jacksonville
97
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Jacksonville
98
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Jacksonville
92
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Jacksonville
102
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Jacksonville, FL St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index96906.2% less
Housing987424.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,00023.1% less
Median Home Price$310,000$185,00040.3% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities102102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Jacksonville, FL St. Louis, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Jacksonville, FL
$63,000
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 Jacksonville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Jacksonville (96) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Jacksonville3.7%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Jacksonville3.1%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
JacksonvilleFinance, Logistics, Military
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Jacksonville26 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Jacksonville26
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Jacksonville36
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Jacksonville69°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Jacksonville949,611
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 24.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Jacksonville vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Jacksonville and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Jacksonville or St. Louis?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) 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 Jacksonville to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Jacksonville is $63,000 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 Jacksonville vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Jacksonville is $310,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $125,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Missouri averages 0.88%.