Home › Compare › Virginia Beach, VA vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, 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.

11.8% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
31.5% 31.5% cheaper housing
3.0% 3.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 31.5% cheaper
Virginia Beach
108
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 3.0% cheaper
Virginia Beach
99
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Virginia Beach
100
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Virginia Beach
98
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Virginia Beach
100
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Virginia Beach, VA St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1029011.8% less
Housing1087431.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,350$1,00025.9% less
Median Home Price$340,000$185,00045.6% less
Groceries99963.0% less
Transportation100100~Same
Healthcare9896~Same
Utilities100102~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Virginia Beach, 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

Virginia Beach, VA
$76,000
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 Virginia Beach lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Virginia Beach (102) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Virginia Beach3.5%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Virginia Beach2.3%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
Virginia BeachMilitary, Tourism, Logistics
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Virginia Beach25 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Virginia Beach22
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Virginia Beach34
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Virginia Beach60°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Virginia Beach459,470
St. Louis293,310

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach 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 31.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Virginia Beach vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,350/month in Virginia Beach and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $350 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Virginia Beach is $76,000 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 Virginia Beach vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Virginia Beach is $340,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $155,000. Property tax rates also differ: Virginia averages 0.74% while Missouri averages 0.88%.