Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
St. Louis is 23% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma 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: Missouri salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: St. Louis scores 97 while Tacoma scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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