Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Anchorage, AK (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Anchorage

Alaska
113

St. Louis is 47% cheaper than Anchorage.

$978/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,453/mo ↑ 49%
$55,279/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$98,152/yr ↑ 78%
$185,100 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$375,900 ↑ 103%
$1,013/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,698/mo ↑ 68%
293,109
Population
289,069

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
Sales Tax
0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.04%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Anchorage, AK, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $475/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $5,700/year.

Median household income is $42,873/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $375,900 in Anchorage.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Anchorage — common questions

Is St. Louis or Anchorage cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Anchorage?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Anchorage it's $1,453/month — a difference of $475/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Anchorage?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $98,152 in Anchorage. Median household income is $42,873/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Alaska?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Anchorage?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,453/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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