Minneapolis vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 19% cheaper than Minneapolis overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO vs 7.05% in MN.
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 overall expenses, Minneapolis is noticeably more expensive than St. Louis. The primary driver of this difference is housing, which shows a significant gap between the two metros. While other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities are also cheaper in St. Louis, the cost of shelter makes the most substantial impact on the overall budget, making St. Louis a considerably more affordable place to live generally.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are substantially more expensive in Minneapolis. St. Louis offers much lower median home prices and significantly more affordable rental rates. While both cities feature a mix of housing types, St. Louis generally provides more accessible entry points into homeownership and more budget-friendly rental options across its neighborhoods.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses beyond housing also differ. St. Louis residents typically pay less for food, healthcare, and utilities. State income tax rates are also lower in Missouri, contributing to more take-home pay for St. Louis residents. Transportation costs are roughly similar in both metros, with St. Louis being slightly less expensive. Overall, routine spending on necessities will be noticeably lighter in St. Louis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both cities experience distinct seasons, with Minneapolis known for colder, longer winters and St. Louis for hot, humid summers. Commute times are generally comparable. Minneapolis offers a more robust public transit system, while St. Louis relies more heavily on personal vehicles, though it also has transit options. Minneapolis generally feels a bit denser and more urban in its core, while St. Louis has a more sprawling character.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: St. Louis offers a significantly lower cost of living across the board. The most substantial savings will be found in housing, whether buying or renting, but everyday expenses like groceries, healthcare, and utilities also contribute to a much lighter financial burden. A move from Minneapolis to St. Louis would likely result in considerable budget relief.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 94 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 98 | 95 |
| Food index | 102 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 105 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 108 | 95 |
| Misc index | 98 | 88 |
| Median home price | $328,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/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.