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

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

St. Louis is 48% cheaper than Tacoma.

$978/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 63%
$55,279/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 52%
$185,100 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 146%
$1,013/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 72%
293,109
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $28,578/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Tacoma — common questions

Is St. Louis or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Tacoma?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Tacoma?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $28,578/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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