Charlotte, NC vs St. Louis, MO: 108 vs 66

$1,504/mo ↑ 54%

Median Rent

$978/mo ↓ 35%

$78,438/yr ↑ 42%

Median Income

$55,279/yr ↓ 30%

$351,500 ↑ 90%

Home Value

$185,100 ↓ 47%

$1,487/mo ↑ 47%

Owner Costs

$1,013/mo ↓ 32%

886,283

Population

293,109

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $526/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $6,312/year.

Median household income is $23,159/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Charlotte slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Charlotte 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 108 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Charlotte and St. Louis?

Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $526/month.

Which city has higher income, Charlotte or St. Louis?

Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $23,159/year higher in Charlotte.

How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?

North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Charlotte or St. Louis?

It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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.

Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Charlotte

St. Louis

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons