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Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN 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.

13.5% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
31.5% 31.5% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.5% cheaper
Minneapolis
108
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
101
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 5.7% cheaper
Minneapolis
106
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Minneapolis
100
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 7.4% more
Minneapolis
95
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Minneapolis, MN St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1049013.5% less
Housing1087431.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$330,000$185,00043.9% less
Groceries101965.0% less
Transportation1061005.7% less
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities951027.4% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Minneapolis, MN St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax9.85% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.88%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.02%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Minneapolis, MN
$76,000
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 Minneapolis lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Minneapolis (104) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Minneapolis3.2%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Minneapolis2.5%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
MinneapolisHealthcare, Finance, Retail
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Minneapolis25 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Minneapolis69
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Minneapolis36
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Minneapolis45°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Minneapolis425,336
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 31.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Minneapolis vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Minneapolis and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Minneapolis or St. Louis?+
Minnesota has a state income tax of 9.85% (top) and sales tax of 6.88%. 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 Minneapolis to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Minneapolis is $76,000 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 Minneapolis vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Minneapolis is $330,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $145,000. Property tax rates also differ: Minnesota averages 1.02% while Missouri averages 0.88%.