Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Spokane, WA (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Spokane

Washington
90

St. Louis is 27% cheaper than Spokane.

$978/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,141/mo ↑ 17%
$55,279/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$65,745/yr ↑ 19%
$185,100 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$326,200 ↑ 76%
$1,013/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,213/mo ↑ 20%
293,109
Population
229,228

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Spokane, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $10,466/year higher in Spokane. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $326,200 in Spokane.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Spokane residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Spokane — common questions

Is St. Louis or Spokane cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Spokane?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Spokane it's $1,141/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Spokane?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $65,745 in Spokane. Median household income is $10,466/year higher in Spokane.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Washington?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Spokane?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Spokane has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,141/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Spokane details →

More Comparisons

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