Cincinnati vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is about the same as Cincinnati overall. State income tax tops out around 3.5% in OH 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
Comparing Cincinnati and St. Louis reveals an identical overall cost of living, both significantly below the national average. While the total expenditure might feel similar, the specific categories that contribute to this balance differ. Housing costs in St. Louis are slightly more affordable, particularly for home purchases. However, Cincinnati offers a slightly lower cost for transportation, helping to balance the scales. Other major expenses like food, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods and services are roughly comparable between the two cities.
Housing
For housing, St. Louis presents a slightly more budget-friendly option, especially when considering median home prices. Rent for smaller units, however, is quite similar in both metros. Both cities feature a mix of historic brick architecture and newer developments, with housing stock reflecting their established Midwestern character. Beyond the mortgage or rent, property taxes and insurance costs will vary, but the initial purchase price difference gives St. Louis a small edge in homeownership affordability.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some variation. St. Louis has a higher state income tax rate, which could impact take-home pay. Conversely, Cincinnati's transportation costs are a bit lower, potentially offsetting some of the income tax difference. Food and healthcare expenses are essentially the same in both cities, as are utilities, though St. Louis shows a minor advantage in utility pricing. These small differences mean that while the overall daily spend is similar, the distribution across categories shifts slightly.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both Cincinnati and St. Louis are river cities with four distinct seasons, experiencing warm summers and cold winters. St. Louis is known for its expansive parks and iconic Gateway Arch, while Cincinnati boasts a vibrant arts scene and hilly terrain. Both metros offer a mix of urban density and suburban sprawl, with public transportation options available, though many residents in both areas rely on personal vehicles. The pace of life in both cities generally reflects a Midwestern sensibility, offering a balance of activity and community.
Bottom line
Moving between Cincinnati and St. Louis will likely result in a very similar overall household budget, as their total cost of living is effectively the same. The primary financial difference to consider is the slightly lower home purchase price in St. Louis versus Cincinnati's marginally cheaper transportation. The higher state income tax in Missouri is a factor to weigh against these other cost variations. Ultimately, the decision may hinge more on personal preferences for urban character, local amenities, and specific job markets rather than significant cost savings.
| Measure | Cincinnati, OH | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 88 |
| Housing index | 66 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 92 | 95 |
| Food index | 92 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 88 | 88 |
| Median home price | $228,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 26 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.