Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Baltimore is 27% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,290/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 24%
$59,623/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 7%
$219,300 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 16%
$1,333/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 24%
577,193
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $4,344/year higher in Baltimore. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Baltimore 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 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and St. Louis?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or St. Louis?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $4,344/year higher in Baltimore.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Missouri?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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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