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Cost of Living: Miami, 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.

25.0% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
50.0% 50.0% cheaper housing
10.3% 10.3% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 50.0% cheaper
Miami
148
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 10.3% cheaper
Miami
107
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Miami
112
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.6% cheaper
Miami
105
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Miami
103
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Miami, FL St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1209025.0% less
Housing1487450.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,100$1,00052.4% less
Median Home Price$550,000$185,00066.4% less
Groceries1079610.3% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare105968.6% less
Utilities103102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Miami, 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

Miami, FL
$65,000
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 Miami lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Miami (120) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Miami4.0%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Miami3.0%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
MiamiTourism, Finance, Real Estate
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Miami30 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Miami78
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Miami35
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Miami77°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Miami449,514
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Miami 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 Miami 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 50.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Miami vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,100/month in Miami and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $1,100 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Miami 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 Miami to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Miami is $65,000 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 Miami vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Miami is $550,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $365,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Missouri averages 0.88%.