Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
St. Louis is 17% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $62,500 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Asheville scores 103 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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