Houston, TX vs St. Louis, MO: 88 vs 66

$1,313/mo ↑ 34%

Median Rent

$978/mo ↓ 26%

$62,894/yr ↑ 14%

Median Income

$55,279/yr ↓ 12%

$253,400 ↑ 37%

Home Value

$185,100 ↓ 27%

$1,316/mo ↑ 30%

Owner Costs

$1,013/mo ↓ 23%

2,300,419

Population

293,109

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $7,615/year higher in Houston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Houston 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 88 (US average = 100).

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

Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $335/month.

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

Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $7,615/year higher in Houston.

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 Houston or St. Louis?

It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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: Houston, TX vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Houston

St. Louis

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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