Dallas vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 16% cheaper than Dallas overall. Dallas (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
St. Louis offers a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Dallas, primarily driven by significantly more affordable housing. While many everyday expenses are somewhat lower in St. Louis, the substantial difference in housing costs creates a much bigger gap in overall affordability. Dallas's cost of living is slightly above the national average, whereas St. Louis is well below it.
Housing
Housing is considerably more affordable in St. Louis, whether you are buying or renting. Median home prices are substantially lower, and monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is also much less expensive. Dallas's housing market is closer to the national average. Both metros feature a mix of housing types, but St. Louis generally offers more historic brick homes, while Dallas has a newer, more sprawling housing stock.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are all somewhat lower in St. Louis. A key difference is Missouri's state income tax, which is not present in Texas, impacting take-home pay. However, the lower costs across most spending categories in St. Louis can help offset this. Commute times are roughly similar in both metropolitan areas.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Dallas is known for its hot, humid summers and mild winters, with a generally flat, sprawling urban landscape. It's a major hub with a fast pace and extensive highway networks. St. Louis experiences all four seasons, including hot summers and cold, snowy winters. It has a more established, denser urban core with a rich history and a more traditional public transit system, offering a somewhat slower pace.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing a lower cost of living, St. Louis presents a compelling option, largely due to its significantly more affordable housing market. While Dallas offers a dynamic, growing economy without a state income tax, its higher housing and general living expenses mean a household budget will stretch further in St. Louis. Consider your priorities for housing affordability versus other economic factors.
| Measure | Dallas, TX | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 105 | 88 |
| Housing index | 99 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 95 |
| Food index | 98 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 102 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 95 |
| Misc index | 98 | 88 |
| Median home price | $358,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 29 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.