St. Louis vs Tucson: cost of living compared
Tucson is about the same as St. Louis overall. State income tax tops out around 2.5% in AZ 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, the cost of living in St. Louis and Tucson is roughly similar, both sitting below the national average. However, this similarity masks some significant differences in key spending categories. Housing costs are noticeably cheaper in St. Louis, while Tucson offers some savings in other areas. The biggest divergence in expenses stems from housing, which can significantly impact a household's budget. Understanding these variations is key to comparing the financial implications of a move.
Housing
Housing is where the most significant cost difference lies. Both buying a home and renting a one-bedroom apartment are considerably more affordable in St. Louis than in Tucson. St. Louis typically features a mix of older, established housing stock and newer developments, often with more traditional architectural styles. Tucson's housing market, while still below the national average, reflects its desert environment, with more contemporary or Southwestern designs. Property taxes and insurance costs can also vary by location.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses present a mixed picture. St. Louis generally has lower costs for food, healthcare, and utilities compared to Tucson. Transportation costs are also somewhat lower in Tucson. A notable difference is state income tax; Missouri's top marginal rate is considerably higher than Arizona's. This can impact take-home pay, potentially offsetting some of the savings in other categories for higher earners, making the overall daily spending picture quite nuanced.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are apparent. St. Louis experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters and humid summers, while Tucson boasts a desert climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Public transportation options exist in both cities, but personal vehicles are common for getting around. St. Louis has a more established, Midwestern feel with a rich history, while Tucson offers a Southwestern atmosphere with access to desert landscapes and outdoor activities.
Bottom line
For those prioritizing housing affordability, St. Louis offers a clear advantage in both home prices and rental costs. However, Tucson presents savings in transportation and a lower state income tax rate, which could benefit some households. While the overall cost of living index is identical, the distribution of expenses differs substantially. A move between these metros means weighing significant housing savings against variations in daily spending and state income tax, alongside distinct climate and lifestyle preferences.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 88 | 88 |
| Housing index | 64 | 78 |
| Transportation index | 95 | 89 |
| Food index | 92 | 90 |
| Healthcare index | 95 | 92 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 108 |
| Misc index | 88 | 82 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $278,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,050/mo | $1,150/mo |
| Average commute | 27 min | 25 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Tucson home with the True Cost Calculator.