Boston vs St. Louis
Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data
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St. Louis is 46% cheaper than Boston overall.Boston has a cost of living index of 162 vs St. Louis at 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing — Boston costs 71% more.

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Boston
MA
162
COLI index
VS
St. Louis
MO
88
COLI index
Category Breakdown
| Category | Boston | St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall COLI | 162 | 88 | -46% |
| Housing | 280 | 80 | -71% |
| Groceries | 112 | 101 | -10% |
| Transport | 113 | 100 | -12% |
| Healthcare | 112 | 102 | -9% |
| Utilities | 140 | 107 | -24% |
Median 1BR Rent
Boston
$2,900/mo
St. Louis
$1,050/mo
Median Home Price
Boston
$720,000
St. Louis
$205,000
Median Household Income
Boston
$81,744
St. Louis
$48,438
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Last updated: June 2026
Methodology: Cost of living indices from C2ER Cost of Living Index 2024-2025. Rent data from Zillow December 2024. Home price data from Zillow Home Value Index December 2024. Household income from US Census Bureau ACS 2023. National average COLI = 100. Data updated annually.