Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
St. Louis is 24% more affordable than Burlington. A $75,000 salary in Burlington is equivalent to $57,203 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Vermont salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Burlington has a housing index of 139 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Burlington costs $380,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $205,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Burlington versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Burlington scores 108 while St. Louis scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Burlington (116) are higher than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Burlington is $51,098 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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