St. Louis vs Cape Coral: cost of living compared
Cape Coral is 19% more expensive than St. Louis overall. Cape Coral (FL) 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
Moving from St. Louis to Cape Coral generally means a higher overall cost of living. The most significant difference stems from housing expenses, which are considerably more in Cape Coral. While other categories like food, transportation, and healthcare show smaller gaps, the combined effect, particularly housing, makes daily life and major purchases more expensive in the Florida metro.
Housing
Housing costs, whether buying or renting, are substantially lower in St. Louis. Cape Coral's median home prices and rental rates are much higher. Beyond the mortgage, Florida homeowners may face elevated insurance premiums, including potential flood insurance, and often encounter homeowners association or community development district fees. Property taxes also reset to market value upon sale in Florida.
Taxes and everyday costs
Missouri has a state income tax, while Florida does not, which can impact take-home pay. For daily expenses, St. Louis offers slightly lower costs for groceries, transportation, and healthcare. Utilities, however, are noticeably higher in Cape Coral. Commute times are roughly similar between the two metros, so daily travel costs might not differ dramatically beyond fuel prices.
Lifestyle trade-offs
St. Louis experiences four distinct seasons, including colder winters, while Cape Coral offers a warm, subtropical climate year-round. Cape Coral's development often features canals and newer communities, contrasting with St. Louis's more established urban and suburban character. Florida's hurricane season is a seasonal consideration, potentially requiring preparedness and impacting insurance. Getting around relies heavily on personal vehicles in both locations.
Bottom line
A move from St. Louis to Cape Coral will likely involve a notable increase in household spending, primarily driven by housing. While the absence of state income tax in Florida could offset some costs, the higher prices for homes, rent, and utilities, coupled with elevated insurance expenses, mean a household budget will need to accommodate significantly greater outlays in the Florida metro.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Cape Coral, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 105 |
| Housing index | 64 | 105 |
| Transportation index | 95 | 101 |
| Food index | 92 | 97 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 110 |
| Misc index | 88 | 92 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $368,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Cape Coral home with the True Cost Calculator.