Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

St. Louis is 45% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$978/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 59%
$55,279/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 47%
$185,100 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 135%
$1,013/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 62%
293,109
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $574/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $6,888/year.

Median household income is $25,810/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is St. Louis or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $574/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $25,810/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Michigan?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Ann Arbor details →

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