St. Louis vs Tampa: cost of living compared
Tampa is 23% more expensive than St. Louis overall. Tampa (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
St. Louis offers a noticeably lower overall cost of living compared to Tampa. This significant difference is primarily driven by housing expenses, which are substantially more affordable in St. Louis for both renters and homeowners. Other daily costs like food, transportation, and utilities also tend to be less expensive in the Midwest, contributing to the overall budget-friendly environment.
Housing
Housing costs present the most considerable disparity. Median home prices in St. Louis are dramatically lower than in Tampa, and rental rates for a one-bedroom apartment follow a similar pattern. While Florida lacks a state income tax, new homeowners in Tampa may face higher property tax assessments, and homeowners insurance premiums are often considerably higher, sometimes requiring additional flood insurance.
Taxes and everyday costs
Beyond housing, daily expenses vary. St. Louis generally offers lower costs for groceries, healthcare, and utilities. Transportation costs are roughly similar, with average commute times being nearly identical. A key financial difference is Florida's lack of a state income tax, which can impact take-home pay, though this may be offset by higher costs in other categories in Tampa.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Moving between these cities means a shift in climate and environment. St. Louis experiences four distinct seasons, while Tampa offers a subtropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Tampa's coastal location brings hurricane season risks and a more dense, often car-dependent environment. St. Louis, an older city, has a more established urban fabric and riverfront character.
Bottom line
A move from St. Louis to Tampa would likely entail a substantial increase in overall expenses, particularly for housing. While the absence of state income tax in Florida offers a financial advantage, it is often outweighed by higher property-related costs and other everyday spending. Households should carefully weigh their budget against the lifestyle and climate benefits of a coastal Florida location.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 108 |
| Housing index | 64 | 114 |
| Transportation index | 95 | 101 |
| Food index | 92 | 98 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 100 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 108 |
| Misc index | 88 | 95 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $398,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,750/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 Tampa home with the True Cost Calculator.