Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Portland is 109% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,596/mo ↑ 63%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 39%
$88,792/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 38%
$557,600 ↑ 201%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 67%
$1,771/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 43%
642,715
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $618/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $7,416/year.

Median household income is $33,513/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Portland 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 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and St. Louis?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $618/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or St. Louis?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $33,513/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Missouri?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View St. Louis details →

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