Is St. Louis, MO cheaper than Washington, DC?

Based on cost of living data, St. Louis, MO is 42.8% cheaper than Washington, DC. This translates to saving $3207 per month.

What salary do I need in St. Louis, MO to live like I do in Washington, DC?

If you earn $150,000 in Washington, DC, you'd need approximately $111,513.158 in St. Louis, MO to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Washington, DC and St. Louis, MO?

Housing in St. Louis, MO is 69.9% cheaper than in Washington, DC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,160/month in St. Louis, MO compared to $2,470/month in Washington, DC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO?

Moving from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO could save you approximately $3207 per month, or $38487 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Washington, DC

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St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Washington, DC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.2K/month moving to St. Louis, MO

$150.0K in your current city equals $111.5K in St. Louis, MO

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 42.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,207

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.5K

Per year

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

Washington, DC

Population:690K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$556K

St. Louis, MO

Population:302K

Cost Index:57

Median Home:$145K

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia

690K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Nations capital
•No voting representation in Congress
•Major international city

Major Industries

GovernmentProfessional ServicesTourismEducation

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: Washington, DC vs St. Louis, MO

Category	Washington, DC	St. Louis, MO	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,211/mo	$1,871/mo	↓ $4,340less	69.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,885/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $669less	35.5%
📦Other	$1,825/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $218less	11.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$949/mo	↓ $130less	12.0%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$527/mo	↓ $105less	16.7%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$535/mo	↑ $27.32more	5.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 69.9%

Washington, DC

$6,211

St. Louis, MO

$1,871

Difference

$4,340

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 35.5%

Washington, DC

$1,885

St. Louis, MO

$1,216

Difference

$669

less

📦Other

↓ 11.9%

Washington, DC

$1,825

St. Louis, MO

$1,607

Difference

$218

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.0%

Washington, DC

$1,079

St. Louis, MO

$949

Difference

$130

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 16.7%

Washington, DC

$632

St. Louis, MO

$527

Difference

$105

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.4%

Washington, DC

$508

St. Louis, MO

$535

Difference

$27.32

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Washington, DC 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$2,150

To$910

↓ $1,240

1 Bed

From$2,215

To$950

↓ $1,265

2 Bed

From$2,470

To$1,160

↓ $1,310

3 Bed

From$3,115

To$1,490

↓ $1,625

Washington, DCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$3,020/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.

$12,140

Monthly in Washington, DC

$6,705

Monthly in St. Louis, MO

$5,435

Difference

Home Values

Washington

St. Louis

$556K

Median Value

$145K

↓ -2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.8%

↓ -5.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +10.9%

$233K - $1.35M

Price Range

$38K - $302K

Homes in St. Louis are 74% less expensive than Washington

Calculate payment - Washington Calculate payment - St. Louis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$268

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

Washington, DC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

District of Columbia State Tax

Effective: 7.4%

$11.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 32.1%

$48.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,486/month

$101.8K

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

Washington, DC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.