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Cost of Living: Nashville, 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.

9.1% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
31.5% 31.5% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.5% cheaper
Nashville
108
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Nashville
95
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Nashville
93
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 5.2% more
Nashville
97
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index99909.1% less
Housing1087431.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,00027.5% less
Median Home Price$395,000$185,00053.2% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation99100~Same
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities971025.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, 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

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Nashville689,447
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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 Nashville 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 Nashville vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $380 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville 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 Nashville to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $210,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Missouri averages 0.88%.