Hartford vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 25% cheaper than Hartford overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO vs 5.5% in CT.
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 Hartford and St. Louis reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living. St. Louis generally offers a more affordable environment, with expenses across most categories being lower than the national average. Hartford, conversely, typically sits above the national average for overall costs. The most significant driver of this disparity is housing, which is considerably more expensive in Hartford, alongside much higher utility costs.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial contrast between the two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are significantly higher in Hartford than in St. Louis. St. Louis offers a much more budget-friendly housing market for both buyers and renters. While specific property taxes and insurance vary, the initial outlay for purchasing a home or securing a rental is considerably less in St. Louis.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a clear distinction. St. Louis offers lower costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities compared to Hartford. Utility costs, in particular, are substantially higher in Hartford. Transportation expenses are also more favorable in St. Louis, though average commute times are roughly similar in both cities. Missouri's state income tax rate is also slightly lower than Connecticut's, contributing to a more affordable daily financial landscape in St. Louis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are apparent. Hartford experiences a distinct four-season climate with cold, snowy winters, while St. Louis has hot, humid summers and cold winters, often with more varied weather patterns including occasional severe storms. Both cities offer urban amenities, but St. Louis is generally known for a more expansive, car-dependent layout, though both have public transit options. Hartford, as a New England city, often has a more compact feel.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, St. Louis consistently presents a more budget-friendly option across nearly all major spending categories. The most substantial savings would likely come from housing and utilities. While both metros offer similar average commute times, the cumulative effect of lower costs for housing, everyday necessities, and even a slightly more favorable state income tax rate means a household budget will stretch considerably further in St. Louis compared to Hartford.
| Measure | Hartford, CT | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 118 | 88 |
| Housing index | 86 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 100 | 95 |
| Food index | 108 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 148 | 95 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,350/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 27 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.