Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Raleigh is 67% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,468/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 33%
$82,424/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 33%
$377,800 ↑ 104%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 51%
$1,487/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 32%
470,763
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $27,145/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Raleigh 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 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and St. Louis?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or St. Louis?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $27,145/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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