Seattle vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 43% cheaper than Seattle overall. Seattle (WA) has no state income tax; MO tops out around 4.95%.
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 Seattle and St. Louis reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Seattle is significantly more expensive than the national average, while St. Louis offers a noticeably lower cost of living. This disparity is primarily driven by housing costs, which are dramatically higher in Seattle. Other categories like transportation, food, and miscellaneous expenses also contribute to Seattle's higher overall burden, making St. Louis a much more budget-friendly option across the board.
Housing
Housing presents the most striking cost difference. Median home prices in Seattle are vastly higher than in St. Louis, and monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment follows a similar pattern, being substantially more expensive in the Pacific Northwest. While both metros offer a mix of housing types, Seattle's housing market is characterized by intense demand and limited space, contributing to its elevated prices for both buying and renting. Property taxes and insurance costs will also reflect the underlying value differences.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses also vary considerably. St. Louis benefits from a state income tax, unlike Seattle which has no state income tax, but this is often offset by the significantly higher costs for transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities in Seattle. Commute times are somewhat longer in Seattle, potentially adding to transportation costs. Overall, everyday spending on essentials like groceries, medical care, and powering your home will be noticeably higher in Seattle.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Lifestyle differences extend beyond cost. Seattle is known for its mild, wet climate with frequent cloud cover, nestled among mountains and water, offering abundant outdoor recreation. Its public transit system is robust, though many still rely on personal vehicles. St. Louis experiences more distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters, and is characterized by its Midwestern charm and historic architecture. While it has public transit, personal vehicles are more commonly used for getting around, and the pace of life can feel more relaxed.
Bottom line
For households considering a move between these two metros, the financial implications are profound. A budget that comfortably supports a lifestyle in St. Louis would need substantial adjustment to maintain a similar standard in Seattle. The primary financial advantage of St. Louis lies in its remarkably affordable housing market and lower daily expenses. Conversely, Seattle offers different economic opportunities and a distinct environment, but at a significantly elevated cost across nearly all categories.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 155 | 88 |
| Housing index | 192 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 123 | 95 |
| Food index | 112 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 112 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 105 | 95 |
| Misc index | 118 | 88 |
| Median home price | $748,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $2,350/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 33 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.