Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Norfolk, VA (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Norfolk

Virginia
89

St. Louis is 26% cheaper than Norfolk.

$978/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,246/mo ↑ 27%
$55,279/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$64,017/yr ↑ 16%
$185,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$271,900 ↑ 47%
$1,013/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,366/mo ↑ 35%
293,109
Population
235,037

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Norfolk, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $268/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $3,216/year.

Median household income is $8,738/year higher in Norfolk. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $271,900 in Norfolk.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Norfolk — common questions

Is St. Louis or Norfolk cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Norfolk?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Norfolk it's $1,246/month — a difference of $268/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Norfolk?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $64,017 in Norfolk. Median household income is $8,738/year higher in Norfolk.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Virginia?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Norfolk?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,246/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Norfolk details →

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