Phoenix vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 14% cheaper than Phoenix overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ 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
St. Louis offers a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Phoenix. The primary driver of this difference is housing, which is significantly more affordable in St. Louis. While other categories like food and miscellaneous expenses also lean cheaper in St. Louis, the housing gap creates the most substantial financial distinction between the two metros, making St. Louis a more budget-friendly option for many.
Housing
Housing costs present a stark contrast, with both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents being substantially lower in St. Louis. Phoenix's housing market is considerably more expensive for both buyers and renters. St. Louis features a mix of historic brick homes and newer constructions, while Phoenix tends towards more modern, sprawling developments. Property taxes and insurance costs can vary significantly by location within each metro.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, and healthcare are generally more affordable in St. Louis. Utilities are also noticeably cheaper there, whereas Phoenix residents face higher utility bills. While Missouri has a higher state income tax rate compared to Arizona, the overall lower cost of goods and services in St. Louis means daily spending often stretches further, despite the tax difference.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Phoenix is known for its arid, desert climate with abundant sunshine and hot summers, offering an outdoor lifestyle centered around hiking and golf. St. Louis experiences four distinct seasons, including humid summers and cold winters, with a rich history and cultural attractions. Both metros are car-dependent, though St. Louis has a more established public transit system. Phoenix is generally more sprawling, while St. Louis has a denser urban core.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear: St. Louis offers a much more economical living experience, primarily due to its significantly lower housing costs. While Phoenix provides a different climate and lifestyle, the substantial savings on housing, utilities, and everyday goods in St. Louis could free up considerable funds in a household budget, even with a higher state income tax rate.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 102 | 88 |
| Housing index | 105 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 100 | 95 |
| Food index | 96 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 98 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 112 | 95 |
| Misc index | 92 | 88 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,450/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 28 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.