St. Louis, MO vs Tempe, AZ: 66 vs 120

$978/mo ↓ 40%

Median Rent

$1,623/mo ↑ 66%

$55,279/yr ↓ 29%

Median Income

$77,643/yr ↑ 40%

$185,100 ↓ 56%

Home Value

$421,900 ↑ 128%

$1,013/mo ↓ 35%

Owner Costs

$1,554/mo ↑ 53%

293,109

Population

186,419

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $645/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $7,740/year.

Median household income is $22,364/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Tempe — common questions

Is St. Louis or Tempe cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 120 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Tempe?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $645/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Tempe?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $22,364/year higher in Tempe.

How do taxes compare between Missouri and Arizona?

Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.

Should I move to St. Louis or Tempe?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Tempe, AZ (2026)

St. Louis

Tempe

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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