Austin vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 25% cheaper than Austin overall. Austin (TX) has no state income tax; MO tops out around 4.95%.
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 between Austin and St. Louis involves a substantial shift in overall expenses. Austin's cost of living is noticeably higher than the national average, while St. Louis offers a significantly more affordable environment. The primary factor driving this considerable difference is housing, which stands out as much more expensive in Austin. Other categories like transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous goods also contribute to a higher spending baseline in the Texas capital.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are substantially higher in Austin compared to St. Louis. Austin's housing market is considerably above the national average, whereas St. Louis's housing expenses are well below. This suggests that securing a home, whether buying or renting, will require a much larger budget in Austin, impacting property taxes and insurance costs as well.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary significantly. Missouri has a state income tax, which is absent in Texas, impacting take-home pay. Beyond that, transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive in Austin than in St. Louis. This means that routine spending on necessities, from getting around to grocery shopping and medical care, will generally require a larger portion of one's budget in Austin compared to St. Louis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves lifestyle adjustments. Austin experiences a hot, humid subtropical climate, while St. Louis has a four-season humid continental climate with colder winters. Commute times are generally longer in Austin. St. Louis offers a more established, traditional urban fabric, while Austin is known for its rapid growth and more modern development. Both metros offer distinct cultural and recreational opportunities.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: Austin generally demands a much larger budget across nearly all spending categories, primarily driven by significantly higher housing costs. St. Louis offers a much more budget-friendly option for everyday living and homeownership. A household's financial planning would need to account for a substantial increase in expenses when relocating to Austin, or a considerable reduction when moving to St. Louis.
| Measure | Austin, TX | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 132 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 95 |
| Food index | 102 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 95 |
| Misc index | 102 | 88 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 30 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.