Raleigh vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 12% cheaper than Raleigh overall. State income tax tops out around 4.5% in NC 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
Overall, St. Louis offers a noticeably more affordable cost of living compared to Raleigh. This difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are significantly lower in St. Louis. While other categories like food, transportation, healthcare, and utilities show more modest differences, the substantial gap in housing costs makes St. Louis a considerably more budget-friendly option for many households looking to stretch their dollars further.
Housing
Housing costs present the most significant difference between these two metros. Both buying a home and renting an apartment are substantially more expensive in Raleigh. St. Louis offers a much lower median home price and more affordable one-bedroom rents. While property taxes and insurance costs vary by location, the initial purchase price and monthly rent are considerably lower in St. Louis, making homeownership or renting more accessible there.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities are roughly similar between Raleigh and St. Louis, with both metros generally below the national average for these categories. However, state income tax rates are slightly higher in St. Louis than in Raleigh. Despite this, the overall impact on daily spending still favors St. Louis due to its more affordable housing market, allowing for potentially greater disposable income.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Raleigh, located in the Southeast, generally experiences a milder climate with four distinct seasons, though winters are short. St. Louis, in the Midwest, has more pronounced seasonal changes, including hotter summers and colder winters, and is more susceptible to severe weather. Both metros offer similar average commute times. Raleigh tends to feel a bit more spread out, while St. Louis has a more established urban core with a mix of historic and newer developments.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing a lower overall cost of living, St. Louis presents a compelling advantage, largely due to its significantly more affordable housing market. While state income taxes are slightly higher there, and everyday expenses are broadly comparable, the substantial savings on housing in St. Louis mean a household budget will likely go further. Raleigh offers a generally higher cost of living, particularly for housing, which will impact financial planning.
| Measure | Raleigh, NC | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 100 | 88 |
| Housing index | 106 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 97 | 95 |
| Food index | 95 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 98 | 95 |
| Misc index | 90 | 88 |
| Median home price | $388,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,500/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 27 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.