Denver vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 31% cheaper than Denver overall. State income tax tops out around 4.4% in CO 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
Moving between Denver and St. Louis presents a substantial shift in living costs. Denver is considerably more expensive overall, with a noticeable difference in nearly every spending category. The most significant factor driving this disparity is housing, which is dramatically higher in Denver, making it the primary consideration for anyone contemplating a move between these two cities.
Housing
Housing costs show the largest gap, with both home purchase prices and rental rates being substantially higher in Denver. St. Louis offers much more affordable options for both buying a home and renting an apartment. Beyond the mortgage or rent, property taxes and insurance costs can also vary, but the initial purchase or lease price creates a fundamental difference in housing affordability.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, groceries, and healthcare are all higher in Denver compared to St. Louis. Utilities are roughly similar, but other miscellaneous goods and services also cost more in Denver. State income tax rates are fairly comparable, with St. Louis having a slightly higher top marginal rate, but this is often overshadowed by the broader cost differences in other categories.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Denver's climate is characterized by its high altitude, many sunny days, and proximity to mountains, offering abundant outdoor activities. St. Louis experiences a more humid, four-season climate with hot summers and cold winters, located near major rivers. Denver generally feels more spread out with a greater reliance on personal vehicles, while St. Louis has a more established urban core and some public transit options, though both are car-dependent cities.
Bottom line
A move from St. Louis to Denver would entail a significant increase in a household's budget, primarily due to much higher housing costs. Conversely, relocating from Denver to St. Louis would free up substantial financial resources, allowing for greater discretionary spending or savings. The decision hinges on whether the lifestyle and amenities of each city align with one's financial priorities and preferences.
| Measure | Denver, CO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 88 |
| Housing index | 146 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 95 |
| Food index | 105 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $548,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,950/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.