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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

St. Louis

Missouri
66

Tucson is 15% more expensive than St. Louis.

$1,079/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$978/mo ↓ 9%
$54,546/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$55,279/yr ↑ 1%
$242,200 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$185,100 ↓ 24%
$1,076/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,013/mo ↓ 6%
543,348
Population
293,109

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and St. Louis, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $101/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $1,212/year.

Median household income is $733/year higher in St. Louis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $185,100 in St. Louis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs St. Louis — common questions

Is Tucson 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 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and St. Louis?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in St. Louis it's $978/month — a difference of $101/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or St. Louis?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $55,279 in St. Louis. Median household income is $733/year higher in St. Louis.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Missouri?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or St. Louis?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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.
View Tucson details → View St. Louis details →

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