Philadelphia vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 21% cheaper than Philadelphia overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA 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
Comparing Philadelphia and St. Louis reveals a significant difference in overall cost of living. St. Louis is noticeably more affordable across the board, with nearly all categories showing lower expenses. This difference is largely driven by housing costs, which are substantially higher in Philadelphia, making it the more expensive metro overall for residents.
Housing
Housing costs present a major contrast. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Philadelphia. St. Louis offers much more affordable options for both buying and renting, with a more accessible housing market. Philadelphia's housing stock often includes historic rowhomes, while St. Louis features a mix of brick homes and diverse architectural styles.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also vary, with St. Louis generally offering lower costs for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities. While St. Louis has a higher state income tax rate, the savings in other categories could offset this for many. Philadelphia's public transit system is extensive, but transportation costs remain higher, impacting daily spending.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences extend beyond price. Philadelphia, a larger, older city, offers a denser urban experience and a more extensive public transportation network. St. Louis, while still a major metro, often feels less dense and has a shorter average commute time, with a greater reliance on personal vehicles. Both metros experience four distinct seasons, but St. Louis is further inland and can have more extreme temperature swings.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, St. Louis generally presents a more budget-friendly option, especially concerning housing. While Philadelphia offers a lower state income tax rate and a different urban character, the cumulative effect of higher costs for housing, transportation, and other essentials means a household budget will stretch further in St. Louis.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 112 | 88 |
| Housing index | 91 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 120 | 95 |
| Food index | 105 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 108 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 95 |
| Misc index | 102 | 88 |
| Median home price | $298,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,550/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 34 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.