Home › Compare › Pittsburgh, PA vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Pittsburgh, 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.

6.2% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
15.9% 15.9% cheaper housing
4.0% 4.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 15.9% cheaper
Pittsburgh
88
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 4.0% cheaper
Pittsburgh
100
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 3.8% cheaper
Pittsburgh
104
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Pittsburgh
98
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Pittsburgh
104
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Pittsburgh, PA St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index96906.2% less
Housing887415.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,00016.7% less
Median Home Price$225,000$185,00017.8% less
Groceries100964.0% less
Transportation1041003.8% less
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities104102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Pittsburgh, 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

Pittsburgh, PA
$60,000
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 Pittsburgh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Pittsburgh (96) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Pittsburgh4.1%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Pittsburgh1.9%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
PittsburghHealthcare, Education, Tech
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Pittsburgh28 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Pittsburgh62
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Pittsburgh46
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Pittsburgh51°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Pittsburgh302,971
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh 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 15.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Pittsburgh vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Pittsburgh and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Pittsburgh is $60,000 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 Pittsburgh vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Pittsburgh is $225,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $40,000. Property tax rates also differ: Pennsylvania averages 1.36% while Missouri averages 0.88%.