Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
St. Louis is 23% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $57,692 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while St. Louis scores 97.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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