Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

St. Louis is 38% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$978/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 58%
$55,279/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 32%
$185,100 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$331,500 ↑ 79%
$1,013/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 42%
293,109
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $17,839/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Missouri's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is St. Louis or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $17,839/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Florida?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View St. Petersburg details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Louis and St. Petersburg

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 St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake