Cost of Living: Milwaukee, WI vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Milwaukee and St. Louis have a similar cost of living.

$1,033/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 5%
$51,888/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↑ 7%
$172,000 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$185,100 ↑ 8%
$1,082/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 6%
569,756
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.61%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $3,391/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Milwaukee 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 67 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and St. Louis?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or St. Louis?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $3,391/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Missouri?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Milwaukee or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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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