Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
St. Louis is 10% more affordable than Charlotte. A $75,000 salary in Charlotte is equivalent to $67,500 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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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