Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
St. Louis is 3% more affordable than Lexington. A $75,000 salary in Lexington is equivalent to $72,581 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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