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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $1.4K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $166.8K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from St. Louis, MO-IL area
Overall Cost
18.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,397
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$16.8K
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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:119
Median Home:$414K

St. Louis, MO

The Show-Me State

302K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • Fastest growing major city
  • Desert metropolis
  • Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: St. Louis, MO vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
49.0%
St. Louis, MO
$1,871
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$917
more
🚗Transportation
22.5%
St. Louis, MO
$1,216
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$273
more
📦Other
4.4%
St. Louis, MO
$1,607
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$70.31
more
🏥Healthcare
11.8%
St. Louis, MO
$527
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$61.96
more
All Utilities
4.8%
St. Louis, MO
$535
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$25.68
more
🛒Groceries
1.5%
St. Louis, MO
$949
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$13.99
more

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Phoenix, AZ 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$1,390
$480
1 Bed
From$950
To$1,510
$560
2 Bed
From$1,160
To$1,750
$590
3 Bed
From$1,490
To$2,330
$840
St. Louis, MOZIP-level data

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

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300$2,380/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
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,362
Difference

Home Values

St. Louis
Phoenix
$145K
Median Value
$414K
↓ -0.8%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +10.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$38K - $302K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 186% 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
$2.7K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$225
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.8%
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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

St. Louis, MO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%
Property Tax:1.0%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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
Phoenix
54 Moderate
Air Quality
77 Moderate
38%
Good Air Days
9%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
+3.0°F
2050 Outlook
+2.7°F
39 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

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

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