Boston vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 46% cheaper than Boston overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO vs 5% in MA.
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 Boston and St. Louis presents a substantial shift in overall cost of living. Boston is considerably more expensive across nearly all categories, with its overall index significantly higher than the national average. St. Louis, in contrast, offers a much more affordable environment, with its overall costs falling below the national average. The most significant difference driving this gap is housing, which is dramatically higher in Boston, making it the primary factor for budget considerations.
Housing
Housing costs represent the largest divergence between these two cities. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Boston. Median home prices are considerably higher there, as are typical rents for a one-bedroom unit. St. Louis offers a much more accessible housing market, with significantly lower median home prices and rental rates. Property taxes and insurance costs associated with homeownership will also reflect these underlying value differences, making homeownership a much greater financial commitment in Boston.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a consistent pattern of higher costs in Boston. Transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably more expensive in Boston compared to St. Louis. While state income tax rates are roughly similar in both states, the cumulative effect of these higher everyday costs means that a household budget will stretch much further in St. Louis. This difference impacts everything from commuting to grocery shopping and medical care.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move between these metros brings distinct lifestyle changes. Boston offers a dense, historic urban environment with extensive public transit options, experiencing four distinct seasons including cold, snowy winters. St. Louis is generally less dense, with a climate that includes hot, humid summers and cold winters, and relies more heavily on personal vehicles for getting around, though it does have some public transit. Boston's pace of life is often perceived as faster, reflecting its status as a major global hub.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: St. Louis offers a significantly lower cost of living across the board, particularly for housing. A household's purchasing power will be considerably greater in St. Louis, allowing for more disposable income or a lower overall budget requirement. Boston, while offering a unique urban experience and economic opportunities, demands a much higher financial commitment for nearly every aspect of daily life, from shelter to groceries and transportation.
| Measure | Boston, MA | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 162 | 88 |
| Housing index | 194 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 95 |
| Food index | 115 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 118 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 135 | 95 |
| Misc index | 122 | 88 |
| Median home price | $698,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,850/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 32 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.