Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
St. Louis is 15% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe 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: Missouri salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $225,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Louis scores 97 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) match Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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