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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Richmond

Virginia
98

St. Louis is 33% cheaper than Richmond.

$978/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 34%
$55,279/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$62,671/yr ↑ 13%
$185,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$328,100 ↑ 77%
$1,013/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,374/mo ↑ 36%
293,109
Population
227,595

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
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Richmond, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 98 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $336/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $4,032/year.

Median household income is $7,392/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $328,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Richmond — common questions

Is St. Louis or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Richmond?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Richmond it's $1,314/month — a difference of $336/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Richmond?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $62,671 in Richmond. Median household income is $7,392/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 98 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Richmond details →

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