Seattle, WA vs St. Louis, MO: 196 vs 66

$1,998/mo ↑ 104%

Median Rent

$978/mo ↓ 51%

$121,984/yr ↑ 121%

Median Income

$55,279/yr ↓ 55%

$912,100 ↑ 393%

Home Value

$185,100 ↓ 80%

$2,220/mo ↑ 119%

Owner Costs

$1,013/mo ↓ 54%

741,440

Population

293,109

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,020/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $12,240/year.

Median household income is $66,705/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).

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

Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $1,020/month.

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

Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $66,705/year higher in Seattle.

How do taxes compare between Washington and Missouri?

Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Seattle or St. Louis?

It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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: Seattle, WA vs St. Louis, MO (2026)

Seattle

St. Louis

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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