Houston vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 10% cheaper than Houston overall. Houston (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
Overall, St. Louis offers a more affordable cost of living compared to Houston. This difference is largely driven by significantly lower housing costs in St. Louis, which creates a noticeable gap in the overall expenses between the two metros. While some categories show closer figures, the substantial savings in housing make St. Louis the more budget-friendly option for many households.
Housing
Housing in St. Louis is considerably more affordable than in Houston, whether you are looking to buy a home or rent an apartment. The median home price in St. Louis is much lower, and a one-bedroom rental also costs less. While property taxes and insurance vary, the initial outlay for housing is a major differentiator, making homeownership more accessible in St. Louis.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ between these cities. St. Louis generally has lower costs for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities. A key difference is the presence of a state income tax in Missouri, which is absent in Texas. This means that while many goods and services are cheaper in St. Louis, a portion of income will be subject to state taxation, which is not the case in Houston.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, these cities offer distinct lifestyles. Houston, a sprawling metropolis, is known for its hot, humid climate and extensive road network, often leading to longer commutes. St. Louis, with its more defined seasons, features a more compact urban core and generally shorter travel times. Houston's economy is heavily influenced by energy, while St. Louis has a diverse base including healthcare and manufacturing.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing affordability, St. Louis presents a compelling case with its noticeably lower overall cost of living, primarily due to housing. However, Houston offers the advantage of no state income tax, which can offset some higher daily expenses for certain income levels. A move between these metros involves weighing significant housing savings and generally lower daily costs in St. Louis against the absence of state income tax in Houston.
| Measure | Houston, TX | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 98 | 88 |
| Housing index | 84 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 109 | 95 |
| Food index | 95 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 95 |
| Misc index | 92 | 88 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,250/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 31 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.