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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

CategoryBostonSt. LouisDifference
Overall COLI16288-46%
Housing28080-71%
Groceries112101-10%
Transport113100-12%
Healthcare112102-9%
Utilities140107-24%

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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Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis is cheaper to live in overall. Boston has a cost of living index of 162 while St. Louis has an index of 88, where 100 represents the US national average. St. Louis is 46% cheaper than Boston overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Boston is $2,900 per month compared to $1,050 in St. Louis. The median home price in Boston is $720,000 versus $205,000 in St. Louis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Boston has a cost of living index of 162 and St. Louis has an index of 88, both measured against a US national average of 100. An index above 100 means more expensive than the national average — below 100 means cheaper.

To maintain the same purchasing power as a salary in Boston, multiply by 0.54. For example a $75,000 salary in Boston is equivalent to approximately $40,741 in St. Louis.

Boston has a median household income of $81,744 per year versus $48,438 in St. Louis. Higher incomes must be weighed against cost of living. Use the Dayblip salary tools to see specific job salaries in both cities.

Whether moving from Boston to St. Louis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. St. Louis is 46% cheaper overall — with the biggest difference in housing. Use the Dayblip cost of living calculator to enter your specific salary and see the exact dollar impact.

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.