Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $250/month moving to St. Louis, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.0K in St. Louis, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Kansas City, MO-KS area
Overall Cost
3.3%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$250
Savings
Annual Impact
$3.0K
Per year

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

Kansas City, MO

Population:508K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$257K

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K
Cost Index:
97
(3% below avg)
Median Home:$145K

Kansas City, MO

The Show-Me State

508K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Missouri, this city has a population of 508K 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: Kansas City, MO vs St. Louis, MO

Housing
11.1%
Kansas City, MO
$2,105
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Difference
$234
less
Healthcare
13.3%
Kansas City, MO
$607
St. Louis, MO
$527
Difference
$80.54
less
Groceries
0.0%
Kansas City, MO
$949
St. Louis, MO
$949
Difference
$0
same
Transportation
0.0%
Kansas City, MO
$1,216
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Difference
$0
same
All Utilities
0.0%
Kansas City, MO
$535
St. Louis, MO
$535
Difference
$0
same
Other
0.0%
Kansas City, MO
$1,607
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Difference
$0
same

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Kansas City, MO: Kansas City Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)
St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)
Net difference$0/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,180
To$910
$270
1 Bed
From$1,280
To$950
$330
2 Bed
From$1,460
To$1,160
$300
3 Bed
From$1,900
To$1,490
$410
Kansas City, MOZIP-level data

1BR range: $900$1,800/mo

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.

$7,020
Monthly in Kansas City, MO
$6,705
Monthly in St. Louis, MO
$314
Difference

Home Values

Kansas City
St. Louis
$257K
Median Value
$145K
↑ +0.6%
YoY Change
↓ -0.8%
↑ +32.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +10.9%
$80K - $587K
Price Range
$38K - $302K

Homes in St. Louis are 44% less expensive than Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Kansas City, 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

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

Kansas City, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

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

Kansas City
St. Louis
46 Good
Air Quality
54 Moderate
59.3%
Good Air Days
38%
97 High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🫨
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
39 days
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+3.0°F
44 days
Heat Days >95°F
39 days

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Kansas City, MO on a $150.0K salary

Similar cost to St. Louis, MO

Other cities in a similar price range

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison