Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Dallas is 47% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,403/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 30%
$67,760/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 18%
$295,300 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 37%
$1,409/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 28%
1,299,553
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $425/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $5,100/year.

Median household income is $12,481/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Dallas 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 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and St. Louis?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $425/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or St. Louis?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $12,481/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Missouri?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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