Chicago, IL vs St. Louis, MO: 100 vs 66

$1,380/mo ↑ 41%

Median Rent

$978/mo ↓ 29%

$75,134/yr ↑ 36%

Median Income

$55,279/yr ↓ 26%

$315,200 ↑ 70%

Home Value

$185,100 ↓ 41%

$1,502/mo ↑ 48%

Owner Costs

$1,013/mo ↓ 33%

2,707,648

Population

293,109

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $402/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,824/year.

Median household income is $19,855/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Chicago 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 100 (US average = 100).

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

Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $402/month.

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

Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $19,855/year higher in Chicago.

How do taxes compare between Illinois and Missouri?

Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Chicago or St. Louis?

It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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: Chicago, IL vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Chicago

St. Louis

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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