Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
54% cheaper
St. Louis is 54% more affordable than Brooklyn. A $75,000 salary in Brooklyn is equivalent to $34,615 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Brooklyn has a housing index of 325 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Brooklyn costs $780,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $605,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,900 in Brooklyn versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Brooklyn scores 108 while St. Louis scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Brooklyn (108) are higher than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Brooklyn is $65,294 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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