St. Louis vs Jacksonville: cost of living compared
Jacksonville is 8% more expensive than St. Louis overall. Jacksonville (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
Comparing St. Louis and Jacksonville reveals a noticeable difference in overall cost of living. St. Louis is generally more affordable, with its overall expenses coming in significantly lower than the national average. Jacksonville, while also below the national average, presents a somewhat higher cost profile. The primary driver of this disparity is housing, which is considerably more expensive in the Florida metro.
Housing
Housing costs present a substantial difference between the two metros. Both median home prices and typical rents for a one-bedroom apartment are much lower in St. Louis. In Jacksonville, buyers should consider that property taxes reset to market value after a sale, and homeowners insurance premiums can be quite high. Many newer Florida communities also include HOA or CDD fees, and flood insurance may be necessary.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses vary, with St. Louis offering a notable advantage due to the absence of a state income tax in Florida. Transportation costs are roughly similar, as are food and healthcare expenses. Utilities, however, tend to be somewhat higher in Jacksonville. This means that while some daily spending categories are comparable, the lack of state income tax in Florida can impact overall take-home pay.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are distinct. St. Louis experiences four distinct seasons, while Jacksonville offers a warm, humid subtropical climate with mild winters. Both metros have similar average commute times. Jacksonville's coastal location provides access to beaches and water activities, but also brings hurricane season risks. St. Louis, an older city, has a more established urban character, while Jacksonville is a sprawling, growing metro.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, St. Louis generally offers a more budget-friendly environment, primarily driven by significantly lower housing costs. While Jacksonville benefits from no state income tax, this advantage is often offset by higher housing expenses, increased utility costs, and potentially higher insurance premiums. A careful review of the detailed cost data is essential to determine the full impact on a household's budget.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Jacksonville, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 95 |
| Housing index | 64 | 91 |
| Transportation index | 95 | 96 |
| Food index | 92 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 105 |
| Misc index | 88 | 88 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $318,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,400/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 Jacksonville home with the True Cost Calculator.