Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Durham, NC (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

St. Louis is 39% cheaper than Durham.

$978/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 44%
$55,279/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 43%
$185,100 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 92%
$1,013/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 42%
293,109
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.225%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $434/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $5,208/year.

Median household income is $23,955/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Durham — common questions

Is St. Louis or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Durham?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $434/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Durham?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $23,955/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and North Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Durham details →