Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
St. Louis is 20% more affordable than Hartford. A $75,000 salary in Hartford is equivalent to $60,268 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Connecticut salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Hartford has a housing index of 121 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Hartford costs $215,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Hartford versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Hartford scores 106 while St. Louis scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Hartford (114) are higher than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Hartford is $40,068 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
Amazon affiliate links