Las Vegas vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 14% cheaper than Las Vegas overall. Las Vegas (NV) 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 significantly lower cost of living compared to Las Vegas. While Las Vegas is slightly above the national average, St. Louis is noticeably below it. This substantial difference is primarily driven by housing costs, which are much more affordable in St. Louis, creating a considerable gap in overall expenses between the two metros. Other categories also contribute to St. Louis's affordability advantage.
Housing
Housing presents the largest cost disparity. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Las Vegas than in St. Louis. The median home price in Las Vegas is much higher, and monthly rental costs for a typical apartment also show a significant difference. St. Louis generally features a mix of older, established housing and newer developments, while Las Vegas has a more modern housing stock. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary widely in both locations.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also differ. St. Louis residents benefit from no state income tax, unlike Las Vegas. Transportation costs are roughly similar between the two cities, both slightly below the national average. Food and healthcare expenses are somewhat lower in St. Louis. Utilities, however, are noticeably higher in Las Vegas. These factors mean that everyday spending on essentials will generally be more economical in St. Louis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the metros offer distinct lifestyles. Las Vegas has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters, while St. Louis experiences four distinct seasons, including humid summers and cold winters. Getting around in Las Vegas often relies on personal vehicles, though some public transit exists. St. Louis also relies heavily on cars but has a more established public transit system. Las Vegas is known for its entertainment and tourism, while St. Louis offers a more traditional Midwestern urban experience.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: St. Louis offers a considerably more budget-friendly environment than Las Vegas. The most significant savings will be found in housing, whether buying or renting. While some daily costs like transportation are comparable, the combined effect of lower housing, food, healthcare, and utilities, plus the absence of state income tax, makes St. Louis the more economical choice for managing household finances.
| Measure | Las Vegas, NV | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 88 |
| Housing index | 107 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 94 | 95 |
| Food index | 98 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 118 | 95 |
| Misc index | 92 | 88 |
| Median home price | $398,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/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.