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Raleigh vs St. Louis

Cost of living comparison — C2ER 2024-2025 data

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St. Louis is 16% cheaper than Raleigh overall.Raleigh has a cost of living index of 105 vs St. Louis at 88 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is housing Raleigh costs 39% more.

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Raleigh
NC
105
COLI index
VS
St. Louis
MO
88
COLI index

Category Breakdown

CategoryRaleighSt. LouisDifference
Overall COLI10588-16%
Housing13280-39%
Groceries104101-3%
Transport107100-7%
Healthcare102102Same
Utilities101107+6%

Median 1BR Rent

Raleigh
$1,600/mo
St. Louis
$1,050/mo

Median Home Price

Raleigh
$390,000
St. Louis
$205,000

Median Household Income

Raleigh
$72,428
St. Louis
$48,438

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Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis is cheaper to live in overall. Raleigh has a cost of living index of 105 while St. Louis has an index of 88, where 100 represents the US national average. St. Louis is 16% cheaper than Raleigh overall.

The median 1-bedroom rent in Raleigh is $1,600 per month compared to $1,050 in St. Louis. The median home price in Raleigh is $390,000 versus $205,000 in St. Louis. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.

Raleigh has a cost of living index of 105 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 Raleigh, multiply by 0.84. For example a $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to approximately $62,857 in St. Louis.

Raleigh has a median household income of $72,428 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 Raleigh to St. Louis is worthwhile depends on your salary, lifestyle, and priorities. St. Louis is 16% 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.