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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
18.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,379
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$16.6K
Per year

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

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$145K

Austin, TX

Population:979K
Cost Index:118
Median Home:$558K

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Live music capital
  • Major tech hub
  • SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: St. Louis, MO vs Austin, TX

🏠Housing
54.2%
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Austin, TX
$2,885
Difference
$1,014
more
📦Other
8.3%
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Austin, TX
$1,741
Difference
$134
more
🚗Transportation
5.6%
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Austin, TX
$1,284
Difference
$68.30
more
🏥Healthcare
11.8%
St. Louis, MO
$527
Austin, TX
$589
Difference
$61.96
more
🛒Groceries
1.1%
St. Louis, MO
$949
Austin, TX
$959
Difference
$9.99
more
All Utilities
1.0%
St. Louis, MO
$535
Austin, TX
$541
Difference
$5.46
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Austin, TX 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$910
To$1,585
$675
1 Bed
From$950
To$1,685
$735
2 Bed
From$1,160
To$1,995
$835
3 Bed
From$1,490
To$2,525
$1,035
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

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

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490$2,350/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.

$6,705
Monthly in St. Louis, MO
$7,998
Monthly in Austin, TX
$1,293
Difference

Home Values

St. Louis
Austin
$145K
Median Value
$558K
↓ -0.8%
YoY Change
↓ -5%
↑ +10.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +12.6%
$38K - $302K
Price Range
$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 286% more expensive than St. Louis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$7.9K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$661
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
5.3%
Rate difference

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

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Texas State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.8%

💡 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

St. Louis
Austin
54 Moderate
Air Quality
52 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
42.6%
99 High
Climate Risk
98 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.5°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
98 days

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

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