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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to St. Louis, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.9K in St. Louis, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA area
Overall Cost
14.6%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,092
Savings
Annual Impact
$13.1K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Johns Creek, GA

Population:81K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$441K

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K
Cost Index:
85
(15% below avg)
Median Home:$145K

Johns Creek, GA

The Peach State

81K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Georgia, this city has a population of 81K residents.

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 302K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Johns Creek, GA vs St. Louis, MO

Housing
17.5%
Johns Creek, GA
$2,269
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Difference
$398
less
Other
13.1%
Johns Creek, GA
$1,849
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Difference
$242
less
Transportation
12.6%
Johns Creek, GA
$1,391
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Difference
$175
less
Healthcare
8.7%
Johns Creek, GA
$577
St. Louis, MO
$527
Difference
$50.23
less
All Utilities
6.5%
Johns Creek, GA
$573
St. Louis, MO
$535
Difference
$37.53
less
Groceries
1.0%
Johns Creek, GA
$940
St. Louis, MO
$949
Difference
$9.11
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Johns Creek, GA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$857
To$910
$53.00
1 Bed
From$980
To$950
$30.00
2 Bed
From$1,225
To$1,160
$65.00
3 Bed
From$1,715
To$1,490
$225
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $800$1,480/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,599
Monthly in Johns Creek, GA
$6,705
Monthly in St. Louis, MO
$894
Difference

Home Values

Johns Creek
St. Louis
-
Median Value
$145K
-
YoY Change
↓ -0.8%
-
5-Year Change
↑ +10.9%
-
Price Range
$38K - $302K

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$524
Per year
Monthly Difference
$43.63
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.3%
Rate difference

Johns Creek, GA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Georgia State Tax
Effective: 5.6%
$8.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.3%
$45.5K
Take-Home Pay
$8,711/month
$104.5K

St. Louis, MO

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Missouri State Tax
Effective: 5.3%
$7.9K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 30.0%
$44.9K
Take-Home Pay
$8,755/month
$105.1K

Additional Tax Information

Johns Creek, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%
Property Tax:0.9%

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Johns Creek
St. Louis
50 Good
Air Quality
54 Moderate
50.8%
Good Air Days
38%
96 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌪💨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🫨
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
28 days
Heat Days >95°F
39 days
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
28 days
Heat Days >95°F
39 days

What to Consider When Moving from Johns Creek, GA to St. Louis, MO

Relocating from Johns Creek, GA to St. Louis, MO involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 15% lower in St. Louis, MO, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in St. Louis, MO is 18% cheaper than in Johns Creek, GA. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in St. Louis, MO pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in St. Louis, MO to match your current standard of living in Johns Creek, GA.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit St. Louis, MO for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Johns Creek, GA vs St. Louis, MO

Is St. Louis, MO cheaper than Johns Creek, GA?

Yes, St. Louis, MO is about 14.6% cheaper than Johns Creek, GA. You could save approximately $1,092/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 18% lower in St. Louis, MO.

What salary do I need in St. Louis, MO to match my lifestyle in Johns Creek, GA?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Johns Creek, GA, you would need approximately $136,901 in St. Louis, MO to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Johns Creek, GA and St. Louis, MO?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,225/month in Johns Creek, GA compared to $1,160/month in St. Louis, MO. One-bedroom apartments are $980/month in Johns Creek, GA vs $950/month in St. Louis, MO. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Johns Creek, GA or St. Louis, MO?

Grocery prices are very similar between Johns Creek, GA and St. Louis, MO, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Johns Creek, GA to St. Louis, MO?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Georgia and Missouri on TaxTakeHome.com

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