Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Newark is 52% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,330/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 26%
$48,416/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↑ 14%
$337,800 ↑ 82%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 45%
$1,419/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 29%
307,188
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $352/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,224/year.

Median household income is $6,863/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Newark 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 Newark and St. Louis?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $352/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or St. Louis?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $6,863/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Missouri?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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.
View Newark details → View St. Louis details →

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