Phoenix, AZ vs St. Louis, MO: 109 vs 66

$1,458/mo ↑ 49%

Median Rent

$978/mo ↓ 33%

$77,041/yr ↑ 39%

Median Income

$55,279/yr ↓ 28%

$381,900 ↑ 106%

Home Value

$185,100 ↓ 52%

$1,430/mo ↑ 41%

Owner Costs

$1,013/mo ↓ 29%

1,624,832

Population

293,109

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $480/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $5,760/year.

Median household income is $21,762/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Phoenix 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 109 (US average = 100).

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

Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $480/month.

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

Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $21,762/year higher in Phoenix.

How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?

Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Phoenix or St. Louis?

It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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: Phoenix, AZ vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Phoenix

St. Louis

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons