Nashville vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 19% cheaper than Nashville overall. Nashville (TN) 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, the cost of living is noticeably higher in Nashville compared to St. Louis. This difference is largely driven by housing expenses, which are substantially greater in Nashville. Other categories like transportation, food, and miscellaneous goods and services also tend to be more expensive in Nashville, though the gap is not as wide as with housing. St. Louis offers a more budget-friendly environment across nearly all major spending areas.
Housing
Housing costs present the most significant divergence between these two metros. Both purchasing a home and renting an apartment are considerably more expensive in Nashville. St. Louis offers much more affordable options for both homeownership and rental properties, with median prices for homes and one-bedroom apartments being substantially lower. Nashville's housing stock tends to be newer and more rapidly developing, while St. Louis features a wider array of historic homes alongside newer construction.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for food, healthcare, and utilities are somewhat lower in St. Louis than in Nashville. Transportation costs are also more favorable in St. Louis, and average commute times are roughly similar. A key financial difference is the absence of a state income tax in Tennessee, which means Nashville residents keep a larger portion of their earnings compared to St. Louis residents who face a state income tax.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Nashville generally offers a faster pace of life with a growing urban core and a warm, humid climate. St. Louis, while also an urban center, often feels more established with a distinct four-season climate, including colder winters and warmer summers. Both cities are car-dependent, though St. Louis has some public transit options. Nashville is known for its vibrant music scene, while St. Louis boasts a rich history and numerous parks and cultural institutions.
Bottom line
For those considering a move, the financial implications are clear: St. Louis offers a significantly lower cost of living, primarily due to much more affordable housing. While Nashville benefits from no state income tax, the higher costs across nearly all other categories, especially housing, mean a household budget will stretch considerably further in St. Louis. Your decision will hinge on balancing the lifestyle and amenities each city offers against your financial priorities.
| Measure | Nashville, TN | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 108 | 88 |
| Housing index | 119 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 95 |
| Food index | 98 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 95 | 88 |
| Median home price | $438,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,650/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 29 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.