Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
St. Louis is 3% more affordable than Tucson. A $75,000 salary in Tucson is equivalent to $72,581 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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: St. Louis scores 97 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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