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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Tampa is 71% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,567/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 38%
$71,302/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↓ 22%
$375,300 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 51%
$1,553/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 35%
393,389
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $16,023/year higher in Tampa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Tampa or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and St. Louis?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or St. Louis?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $16,023/year higher in Tampa.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Missouri?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/mo, while St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with rent of $978/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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