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Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA 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.

16.7% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
32.7% 32.7% cheaper housing
9.4% 9.4% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
110
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 9.4% cheaper
Philadelphia
106
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 10.7% cheaper
Philadelphia
112
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 8.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
105
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 5.6% cheaper
Philadelphia
108
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Philadelphia, PA St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1089016.7% less
Housing1107432.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,500$1,00033.3% less
Median Home Price$280,000$185,00033.9% less
Groceries106969.4% less
Transportation11210010.7% less
Healthcare105968.6% less
Utilities1081025.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Philadelphia, PA St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax3.07%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.36%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
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 Philadelphia lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Philadelphia (108) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Philadelphia4.9%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Philadelphia1.8%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Philadelphia34 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Philadelphia79
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Philadelphia46
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Philadelphia56°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Philadelphia1,603,797
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia 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 32.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Philadelphia vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,500/month in Philadelphia and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Philadelphia or St. Louis?+
Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% 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 Philadelphia to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Philadelphia is $62,000 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 Philadelphia vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Philadelphia is $280,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $95,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Missouri averages 0.88%.