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Cost of Living: Memphis, TN 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.

4.7% St. Louis, MO is more expensive overall
5.7% 5.7% more expensive housing
4.3% 4.3% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 5.7% more
Memphis
70
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 4.3% more
Memphis
92
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Memphis
96
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 6.7% more
Memphis
90
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 4.1% more
Memphis
98
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Memphis, TN St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index86904.7% more
Housing70745.7% more
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,0005.3% more
Median Home Price$165,000$185,00012.1% more
Groceries92964.3% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare90966.7% more
Utilities981024.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Memphis, TN St. Louis, MO
State Income TaxNone (0%)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Memphis, TN
$48,000
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 Memphis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Memphis (86) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Memphis4.8%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Memphis1.9%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
MemphisLogistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Memphis24 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Memphis34
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Memphis44
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Memphis63°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Memphis633,104
St. Louis293,310

Moving from Memphis to St. Louis?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Memphis 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

Memphis vs Austin → Memphis vs Denver → Memphis vs Nashville → St. Louis vs Raleigh → St. Louis vs Portland → St. Louis vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Memphis or St. Louis cheaper to live in?+
Memphis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 5.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Memphis vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Memphis and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Memphis or St. Louis?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Memphis to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Memphis is $48,000 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 Memphis vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Memphis is $165,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $20,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Missouri averages 0.88%.