Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
St. Louis is 15% more affordable than Madison. A $75,000 salary in Madison is equivalent to $63,679 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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