Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
St. Louis is 13% more affordable than Richmond. A $75,000 salary in Richmond is equivalent to $65,534 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $125,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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