Portland vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 31% cheaper than Portland overall. State income tax tops out around 4.95% in MO vs 8.75% in OR.
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
Moving between Portland and St. Louis presents a significant shift in overall cost of living. Portland is noticeably more expensive across the board, with its cost index well above the national average. St. Louis, in contrast, offers a much more affordable environment, with its overall cost index comfortably below the national benchmark. The primary factor driving this substantial difference is housing, which stands out as considerably more costly in the Pacific Northwest metro.
Housing
Housing costs are dramatically different between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment are substantially higher in Portland compared to St. Louis. Portland's housing market reflects its Pacific Northwest character, often featuring a mix of modern and classic homes. St. Louis offers a more historic and diverse housing stock, including many brick homes, at a much more accessible price point for both buyers and renters.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses also show a clear divergence. State income taxes are considerably higher in Portland than in St. Louis. When it comes to other necessities, transportation, food, and healthcare costs are all noticeably higher in Portland. Utilities are roughly similar, but miscellaneous expenses are also more costly in Portland. This means that routine spending on most goods and services will be more modest in St. Louis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, the lifestyle experience differs. Portland is known for its mild, rainy climate and lush, green surroundings, with a culture that often embraces outdoor activities and a relaxed pace. St. Louis experiences four distinct seasons, including hot, humid summers and cold winters, and is located in a region prone to severe weather events. Getting around in Portland involves a slightly longer average commute, while St. Louis offers a similar commute time but with a more traditional Midwestern urban feel.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, the financial implications are clear. A budget that stretches comfortably in St. Louis will face significant pressure in Portland, primarily due to the much higher housing costs. While other daily expenses also contribute to the difference, the cost of a home or apartment is the biggest factor. Choosing between these metros involves weighing a considerably higher cost of living in Portland against the more affordable financial landscape of St. Louis.
| Measure | Portland, OR | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 128 | 88 |
| Housing index | 132 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 104 | 95 |
| Food index | 108 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 108 | 88 |
| Median home price | $498,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,750/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.