Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
St. Louis is 5% more affordable than Jacksonville. A $75,000 salary in Jacksonville is equivalent to $71,053 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $105,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) match St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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