Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

St. Louis

Missouri
66
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

St. Louis is 34% cheaper than Wilmington.

$978/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 34%
$55,279/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 16%
$185,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 89%
$1,013/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 35%
293,109
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $333/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $3,996/year.

Median household income is $8,621/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Wilmington — common questions

Is St. Louis or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Wilmington?
Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $333/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Wilmington?
Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $8,621/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and North Carolina?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to St. Louis or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View St. Louis details → View Wilmington details →

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