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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $862/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.3K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
11.5%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$862
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$10.3K
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

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:111
Median Home:$399K

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • Major banking center
  • NASCAR headquarters
  • Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: St. Louis, MO vs Charlotte, NC

🏠Housing
31.9%
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
Difference
$598
more
🏥Healthcare
21.2%
St. Louis, MO
$527
Charlotte, NC
$638
Difference
$112
more
📦Other
6.3%
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
Difference
$100
more
🛒Groceries
4.2%
St. Louis, MO
$949
Charlotte, NC
$989
Difference
$39.97
more
All Utilities
3.1%
St. Louis, MO
$535
Charlotte, NC
$519
Difference
$16.39
less
🚗Transportation
1.1%
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
Difference
$13.66
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Charlotte, NC 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$1,630
$720
1 Bed
From$950
To$1,710
$760
2 Bed
From$1,160
To$1,870
$710
3 Bed
From$1,490
To$2,300
$810
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

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

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340$2,310/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
$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$820
Difference

Home Values

St. Louis
Charlotte
$145K
Median Value
$399K
↓ -0.8%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +10.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +40.8%
$38K - $302K
Price Range
$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 176% 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
$804
Per year
Monthly Difference
$67.00
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.5%
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

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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
Charlotte
54 Moderate
Air Quality
51 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
46.2%
99 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌪💨
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.9°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
36 days

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

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