Louisville vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 7% more expensive than Louisville overall. State income tax tops out around 4.5% in KY 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
Louisville generally presents a more affordable cost of living compared to St. Louis. While both metros are notably less expensive than the national average, Louisville's overall index is somewhat lower. This difference is largely driven by more affordable transportation, food, and utilities in Louisville, although housing costs are quite similar between the two cities.
Housing
For home buyers, the median home prices in Louisville and St. Louis are roughly similar. However, renters will find Louisville offers more affordable options for a one-bedroom apartment. Both cities feature a mix of historic and newer housing styles. Beyond the mortgage, property taxes and insurance costs can vary, but the initial purchase price is comparable.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are generally more budget-friendly in Louisville. St. Louis residents can expect to pay a bit more for these categories. Additionally, Kentucky's state income tax rate is slightly lower than Missouri's, which could lead to minor savings on annual income for Louisville residents.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Louisville typically experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons, similar to St. Louis. Both cities offer a blend of urban amenities and access to natural areas. Louisville's average commute time is a bit shorter, suggesting a slightly less congested experience for daily travel. St. Louis, as a larger metropolitan area, may offer a different pace and density.
Bottom line
Moving between Louisville and St. Louis means a household budget will likely see some shifts, but not drastic changes. Louisville offers a modest advantage in overall cost of living, primarily through lower everyday expenses and slightly more affordable rental housing. While home purchase prices are similar, the cumulative effect of lower transportation, food, and utility costs could make Louisville the more economical choice.
| Measure | Louisville, KY | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 82 | 88 |
| Housing index | 63 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 85 | 95 |
| Food index | 88 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 88 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 92 | 95 |
| Misc index | 80 | 88 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $975/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 24 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.