Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

St. Louis is 173% cheaper than Cambridge.

$978/mo ↓ 64%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 180%
$55,279/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 129%
$185,100 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 462%
$1,013/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 160%
293,109
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.225%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,764/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $21,168/year.

Median household income is $71,190/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making St. Louis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Cambridge — common questions

Is St. Louis or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Cambridge?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,764/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Cambridge?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $71,190/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Massachusetts?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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