Home › Compare › Kansas City, MO vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Kansas City, MO 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.

3.2% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
11.9% 11.9% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.9% cheaper
Kansas City
84
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Kansas City
96
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Kansas City
100
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Kansas City
96
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Kansas City
100
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Kansas City, MO St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index93903.2% less
Housing847411.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,100$1,0009.1% less
Median Home Price$240,000$185,00022.9% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities100102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Kansas City, MO St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax4.80% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax4.23%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.88%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Kansas City, MO
$62,000
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 Kansas City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Kansas City (93) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Kansas City3.6%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Kansas City2.5%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
Kansas CityTech, Finance, Agriculture
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Kansas City23 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Kansas City35
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Kansas City42
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Kansas City54°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Kansas City508,090
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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 11.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Kansas City vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,100/month in Kansas City and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Kansas City or St. Louis?+
Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. 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 Kansas City to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Kansas City is $62,000 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 Kansas City vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Kansas City is $240,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $55,000. Property tax rates also differ: Missouri averages 0.88% while Missouri averages 0.88%.