Home › Compare › Raleigh, NC vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC 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.

8.2% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
28.8% 28.8% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 28.8% cheaper
Raleigh
104
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Raleigh
97
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Raleigh
96
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.0% cheaper
Raleigh
100
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 4.1% more
Raleigh
98
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Raleigh, NC St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index98908.2% less
Housing1047428.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$385,000$185,00051.9% less
Groceries9796~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities981024.1% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Raleigh, NC St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax4.50%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax4.75%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.70%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Raleigh, NC
$78,000
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 Raleigh lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Raleigh (98) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Raleigh3.1%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Raleigh3.9%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
RaleighTech, Biotech, Education
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Raleigh24 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Raleigh30
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Raleigh35
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Raleigh60°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Raleigh469,698
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Raleigh 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

Raleigh vs Austin → Raleigh vs Denver → Raleigh vs Nashville → St. Louis vs Portland → St. Louis vs Phoenix → St. Louis vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raleigh 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 28.8%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Raleigh vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Raleigh and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Raleigh or St. Louis?+
North Carolina has a state income tax of 4.50% and sales tax of 4.75%. 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 Raleigh to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Raleigh is $78,000 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 Raleigh vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Raleigh is $385,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $200,000. Property tax rates also differ: North Carolina averages 0.70% while Missouri averages 0.88%.