Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
St. Louis is 12% more affordable than Raleigh. A $75,000 salary in Raleigh is equivalent to $66,176 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Raleigh has a housing index of 107 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Raleigh costs $370,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Raleigh versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Raleigh scores 100 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Raleigh (108) are higher than St. Louis (95).
Median household income in Raleigh is $67,266 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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