Home › Compare › Richmond, VA vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Richmond, VA 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.

10.0% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
28.8% 28.8% cheaper housing
2.0% 2.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

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

Detailed Breakdown

Category Richmond, VA St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1009010.0% less
Housing1047428.8% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,300$1,00023.1% less
Median Home Price$320,000$185,00042.2% less
Groceries9896~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare100964.0% less
Utilities100102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Richmond, VA St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax5.75% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax5.30%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.74%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Richmond, VA
$62,000
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 Richmond lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Richmond (100) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Richmond3.4%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Richmond2.5%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
RichmondFinance, Government, Manufacturing
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Richmond24 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Richmond52
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Richmond38
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Richmond58°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Richmond226,610
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Richmond 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 Richmond 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 Richmond vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,300/month in Richmond and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $300 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Richmond or St. Louis?+
Virginia has a state income tax of 5.75% (top) and sales tax of 5.30%. 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 Richmond to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Richmond 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 Richmond vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Richmond is $320,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Virginia averages 0.74% while Missouri averages 0.88%.