Home › Compare › Oklahoma City, OK vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Oklahoma City, OK 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.

2.3% St. Louis, MO is more expensive overall
2.6% 2.6% cheaper housing
3.2% 3.2% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 2.6% cheaper
Oklahoma City
76
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 3.2% more
Oklahoma City
93
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Oklahoma City
96
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Oklahoma City
92
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Oklahoma City
100
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Oklahoma City, OK St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index88902.3% more
Housing76742.6% less
Median 1BR Rent$950$1,0005.3% more
Median Home Price$210,000$185,00011.9% less
Groceries93963.2% more
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities100102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Oklahoma City, OK St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax4.75%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax4.50%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.85%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Oklahoma City, OK
$58,000
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 Oklahoma City lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Oklahoma City (88) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Oklahoma City3.5%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Oklahoma City2.4%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
Oklahoma CityEnergy, Aerospace, Agriculture
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Oklahoma City22 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Oklahoma City32
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Oklahoma City44
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Oklahoma City60°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Oklahoma City681,054
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Oklahoma City 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

Oklahoma City vs Austin → Oklahoma City vs Denver → Oklahoma City vs Nashville → St. Louis vs Raleigh → St. Louis vs Portland → St. Louis vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oklahoma City or St. Louis cheaper to live in?+
Oklahoma City is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 2.6%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Oklahoma City vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $950/month in Oklahoma City and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Oklahoma City or St. Louis?+
Oklahoma has a state income tax of 4.75% and sales tax of 4.50%. 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 Oklahoma City to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Oklahoma City is $58,000 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 Oklahoma City vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Oklahoma City is $210,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $25,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oklahoma averages 0.85% while Missouri averages 0.88%.