Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

St. Louis is 41% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$978/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 50%
$55,279/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 16%
$185,100 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 113%
$1,013/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 52%
293,109
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $8,595/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is St. Louis or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Elizabeth?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $8,595/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and New Jersey?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and Elizabeth

St. Louis vs. Greensboro St. Louis vs. Lincoln St. Louis vs. Pittsburgh St. Louis vs. Jersey City St. Louis vs. Newark St. Louis vs. Anchorage Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland