Chicago vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 25% cheaper than Chicago overall.
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 Chicago and St. Louis involves a notable shift in overall cost of living. Chicago is considerably more expensive across the board, with its cost index well above the national average. St. Louis, by contrast, offers a much more affordable lifestyle, with its overall costs falling below the national average. The primary factor driving this substantial difference is housing expenses, which are significantly higher in Chicago.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast between these two cities. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom unit are substantially higher in Chicago than in St. Louis. While both metros feature a mix of housing types, Chicago's housing market is noticeably more competitive. Property taxes and insurance, which are additional ownership costs, also tend to be higher in the larger Illinois metro.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary considerably. While both states have a similar income tax structure, transportation costs, food, healthcare, and utilities are all more expensive in Chicago. Commute times are also generally longer in Chicago, reflecting its larger size and denser urban environment. This means that routine spending on essentials will be noticeably higher in the Illinois metropolis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, a move involves lifestyle changes. Chicago has a much larger, denser urban core and a more extensive public transit system, offering varied ways to get around. St. Louis, while still a major city, is generally less dense and often relies more on personal vehicles. Both experience four distinct seasons, though Chicago's winters can be more severe. The pace of life and urban scale differ significantly.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: St. Louis offers a significantly more budget-friendly environment compared to Chicago. The savings on housing alone are substantial, and this trend extends to nearly all other major spending categories. While both cities offer distinct urban experiences, a household's budget will stretch considerably further in the Missouri metro.
| Measure | Chicago, IL | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 97 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 121 | 95 |
| Food index | 105 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 102 | 95 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $318,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.