Home › Compare › Milwaukee, WI vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI 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
9.8% 9.8% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 9.8% cheaper
Milwaukee
82
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Milwaukee
98
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Milwaukee
100
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Milwaukee
98
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Milwaukee
100
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Milwaukee, WI St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index93903.2% less
Housing82749.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,0004.8% less
Median Home Price$175,000$185,0005.7% more
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities100102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Milwaukee, WI St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax7.65% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax5.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.51%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Milwaukee, WI
$55,000
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 Milwaukee lifestyle.

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

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Milwaukee4.2%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Milwaukee1.8%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
MilwaukeeManufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Milwaukee24 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Milwaukee62
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Milwaukee40
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Milwaukee47°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Milwaukee577,222
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 9.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Milwaukee vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Milwaukee and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Milwaukee or St. Louis?+
Wisconsin has a state income tax of 7.65% (top) and sales tax of 5.00%. 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 Milwaukee to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Milwaukee is $55,000 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 Milwaukee vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Milwaukee is $175,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $10,000. Property tax rates also differ: Wisconsin averages 1.51% while Missouri averages 0.88%.