Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Atlanta is 85% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,617/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 40%
$81,938/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 33%
$420,600 ↑ 127%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 56%
$1,695/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 40%
499,287
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $639/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $7,668/year.

Median household income is $26,659/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Atlanta or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and St. Louis?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $639/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or St. Louis?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $26,659/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Missouri?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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