Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
St. Louis is 13% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $64,904 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 · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. St. Louis has a housing index of 72 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in St. Louis costs $175,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in St. Louis versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: St. Louis scores 97 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in St. Louis (95) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in St. Louis is $45,782 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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