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Cost of Living: Washington, DC 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.

30.8% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
54.3% 54.3% cheaper housing
11.1% 11.1% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 54.3% cheaper
Washington
162
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries 11.1% cheaper
Washington
108
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation 18.0% cheaper
Washington
122
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare 12.7% cheaper
Washington
110
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 2.9% cheaper
Washington
105
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Washington, DC St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index1309030.8% less
Housing1627454.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,200$1,00054.5% less
Median Home Price$620,000$185,00070.2% less
Groceries1089611.1% less
Transportation12210018.0% less
Healthcare1109612.7% less
Utilities1051022.9% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Washington, DC St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax10.75% (top)4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax6.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Washington, DC
$105,000
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 Washington lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Washington (130) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Washington4.2%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Washington2.4%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
WashingtonGovernment, Defense, Consulting
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Washington34 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Washington77
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Washington42
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Washington57°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Washington689,545
St. Louis293,310

Moving from Washington to St. Louis?

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Planning Your Move?

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

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Washington 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 Washington 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 54.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Washington vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,200/month in Washington and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $1,200 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Washington or St. Louis?+
District of Columbia has a state income tax of 10.75% (top) 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 Washington to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Washington is $105,000 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 Washington vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Washington is $620,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $435,000. Property tax rates also differ: District of Columbia averages 0.56% while Missouri averages 0.88%.