Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Arvada, CO (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

St. Louis is 57% cheaper than Arvada.

$978/mo ↓ 46%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 84%
$55,279/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 105%
$185,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 225%
$1,013/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 92%
293,109
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $824/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $9,888/year.

Median household income is $58,117/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Arvada — common questions

Is St. Louis or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Arvada?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $824/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Arvada?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $58,117/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Colorado?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Arvada details →

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