Baltimore vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 25% cheaper than Baltimore overall. State income tax tops out around 4.75% in MD vs 4.95% in MO.
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
St. Louis offers a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Baltimore. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly more affordable in St. Louis. While other categories like food, transportation, and utilities also contribute to the gap, the housing market presents the most substantial savings for residents considering a move to St. Louis.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are considerably higher in Baltimore than in St. Louis. Median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents show a substantial difference, making homeownership or renting much more accessible in St. Louis. Baltimore's housing stock often includes historic rowhouses, while St. Louis features a mix of brick homes and diverse architectural styles. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary by location within each metro.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive in Baltimore. St. Louis offers savings across these categories, making everyday spending more manageable. State income tax rates are roughly similar between the two states, with Missouri's top marginal rate being slightly higher than Maryland's. Commute times are generally shorter in St. Louis, potentially reducing transportation costs and time spent traveling.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Baltimore, situated on the Mid-Atlantic coast, experiences four distinct seasons, including humid summers and colder winters, with occasional coastal storms. St. Louis, located in the Midwest, also has four seasons, often with hotter, more humid summers and colder winters, and is more prone to severe weather events like thunderstorms. Baltimore has a denser, more urban feel with a well-established public transit system, while St. Louis offers a more spread-out layout with a lighter rail system and greater reliance on personal vehicles.
Bottom line
For households prioritizing financial savings, St. Louis presents a compelling option with its significantly lower cost of living across nearly all major categories, especially housing. While Baltimore offers a different regional character and proximity to the Atlantic, the budget implications of a move from Baltimore to St. Louis would generally mean a substantial increase in purchasing power for housing and daily necessities, allowing for greater financial flexibility.
| Measure | Baltimore, MD | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 100 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 118 | 95 |
| Food index | 105 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 95 |
| Misc index | 105 | 88 |
| Median home price | $348,000 | $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.