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Memphis vs St. Louis

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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St. Louis is 6% more expensive than Memphis overall.Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 vs St. Louis at 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing St. Louis costs 7% less.

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Memphis
TN
83
COLI index
VS
St. Louis
MO
88
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryMemphisSt. LouisDifference
Overall COLI8388+6%
Housing7580+7%
Groceries100101+1%
Transport100100Same
Healthcare100102+2%
Utilities105107+2%

Median 1BR Rent

Memphis
$1,050/mo
St. Louis
$1,050/mo

Median Home Price

Memphis
$175,000
St. Louis
$205,000

Median Household Income

Memphis
$42,982
St. Louis
$48,438

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Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis is cheaper to live in overall. Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 while St. Louis has an index of 88, where 100 represents the US national average. St. Louis is 6% more expensive than Memphis overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Memphis is $1,050 per month compared to $1,050 in St. Louis. The median home price in Memphis is $175,000 versus $205,000 in St. Louis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Memphis has a cost of living index of 83 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 Memphis, multiply by 1.06. For example a $75,000 salary in Memphis is equivalent to approximately $79,518 in St. Louis.

Memphis has a median household income of $42,982 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 Memphis to St. Louis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. St. Louis is 6% more expensive 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.