Atlanta vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 19% cheaper than Atlanta overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO vs 5.49% in GA.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Moving from Atlanta to St. Louis means a noticeably lower overall cost of living. St. Louis is considerably more affordable across most categories, with housing being the primary factor driving this difference. Transportation costs also contribute to Atlanta's higher expenses, while everyday necessities like food, healthcare, and utilities are also cheaper in St. Louis, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Housing
Housing costs present a significant contrast, with St. Louis being substantially more affordable for both buyers and renters. Median home prices in St. Louis are much lower, and a one-bedroom rental commands a considerably smaller monthly payment. Atlanta's housing market is notably more expensive, reflecting its higher demand. St. Louis offers more space for the money, often in historic brick homes.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are generally lower in St. Louis. State income tax is slightly higher in Atlanta, impacting take-home pay. Transportation costs are noticeably higher in Atlanta, reflecting its more spread-out nature and traffic. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all more budget-friendly in St. Louis, meaning routine spending on essentials will be less impactful on your wallet there.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Atlanta offers a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, while St. Louis experiences a more distinct four-season climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Atlanta's average commute time is longer, reflecting its larger size and traffic patterns. St. Louis generally provides a slightly quicker commute. Both metros offer diverse cultural amenities and outdoor spaces, but with different regional characteristics.
Bottom line
For households prioritizing financial savings, a move to St. Louis from Atlanta offers substantial relief across nearly all budget categories. The significant difference in housing costs, coupled with lower expenses for transportation, food, and utilities, means your money will stretch much further. While Atlanta offers a bustling, larger metro experience, St. Louis provides a more economical lifestyle without sacrificing amenities.
| Measure | Atlanta, GA | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 105 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 116 | 95 |
| Food index | 98 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 98 | 88 |
| Median home price | $378,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 33 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific St. Louis home with the True Cost Calculator.