New York vs St. Louis: cost of living compared

St. Louis is 53% cheaper than New York overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO vs 6.5% in NY.

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 New York and St. Louis reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. New York is considerably more expensive across the board, with its index well above the national average. St. Louis, in contrast, offers a cost of living noticeably below the national average. This significant gap is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are dramatically higher in New York, but also extends to nearly all other spending categories.

Housing

Housing costs present the most striking contrast. Whether buying a home or renting a one-bedroom apartment, prices in New York are many times higher than in St. Louis. New York's housing stock often features dense, multi-unit buildings, while St. Louis offers a broader mix of housing types, including more single-family homes, often with more space for the money. Property taxes and insurance costs will also reflect these underlying value differences.

Taxes and everyday costs

Daily expenses also differ significantly. State income tax is higher in New York. Transportation costs are much greater in New York, though its extensive public transit can reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Food, healthcare, and utilities are all noticeably more expensive in New York compared to St. Louis, where these categories are generally below the national average. This means routine spending will feel much lighter in St. Louis.

Lifestyle trade-offs

Beyond cost, lifestyle varies. New York is a dense, fast-paced urban environment with extensive public transportation and a long average commute, offering a wide range of cultural attractions. St. Louis is less dense, with a shorter average commute and a greater reliance on personal vehicles, though it also has public transit options. Both metros experience four distinct seasons, but New York is coastal, while St. Louis is inland, experiencing more extreme temperature swings.

Bottom line

Moving from New York to St. Louis would likely result in substantial savings across almost every budget category, most notably housing. Conversely, a move to New York would necessitate a significantly larger budget to maintain a similar standard of living. The decision hinges on whether the higher costs in New York are offset by its unique urban environment and opportunities, versus the affordability and different pace of life in St. Louis.

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.

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