Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Philadelphia is 29% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,323/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 26%
$60,698/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 9%
$232,400 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 20%
$1,233/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 18%
1,582,432
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $345/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,140/year.

Median household income is $5,419/year higher in Philadelphia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Philadelphia 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 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and St. Louis?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $345/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or St. Louis?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $5,419/year higher in Philadelphia.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Missouri?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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 Philadelphia details → View St. Louis details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Philadelphia and St. Louis

Philadelphia vs. Phoenix Philadelphia vs. San Antonio Philadelphia vs. Houston Philadelphia vs. San Diego Philadelphia vs. Chicago Philadelphia vs. Dallas St. Louis vs. Greensboro St. Louis vs. Lincoln St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh St. Louis vs. Jersey City St. Louis vs. Newark St. Louis vs. Anchorage