Home › Compare › Tucson, AZ vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ 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.

1.1% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
11.9% 11.9% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 11.9% cheaper
Tucson
84
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Tucson
96
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 4.2% more
Tucson
96
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 4.3% more
Tucson
92
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Tucson
104
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tucson, AZ St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index9190~Same
Housing847411.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,000$1,000~Same
Median Home Price$270,000$185,00031.5% less
Groceries9696~Same
Transportation961004.2% more
Healthcare92964.3% more
Utilities104102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tucson, AZ St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax2.50%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax5.60%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.51%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tucson, AZ
$52,000
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 Tucson lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tucson (91) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tucson4.6%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tucson2.1%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
TucsonDefense, Education, Healthcare
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tucson23 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Tucson41
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Tucson48
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Tucson70°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Tucson542,629
St. Louis293,310

Moving from Tucson to St. Louis?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Tucson 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tucson 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 11.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tucson vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,000/month in Tucson and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $0 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tucson or St. Louis?+
Arizona has a state income tax of 2.50% and sales tax of 5.60%. 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 Tucson to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Tucson is $52,000 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 Tucson vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Tucson is $270,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $85,000. Property tax rates also differ: Arizona averages 0.51% while Missouri averages 0.88%.