Ogden vs St. Louis for Families (2026)

A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Ogden, UT vs St. Louis, MO.

  • 2BR rent: $1,650/mo in Ogden vs $1,700/mo — 3% difference
  • More affordable homeownership in St. Louis: $230K median vs $380K
  • Higher median household income in Ogden: $62K/yr vs $54K

Family cost comparison

Metric
Ogden
Utah
St. Louis
Missouri
2BR rent/month$1,650Better$1,700
Median home price$380K$230KBetter
Median household income$62KBetter$54K
Est. childcare/month$1,209$1,131Better
State income tax4.7%Better4.7%
Sales tax (combined)7.2%Better8.6%

Frequently asked questions

Which city is better for raising a family — Ogden or St. Louis?

Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Ogden scores slightly better for families overall. Ogden has lower 2-bedroom rents, St. Louis is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.

What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Ogden vs St. Louis?

As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,650/month in Ogden and $1,700/month in St. Louis. Ogden is 3% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.

Can a family afford to buy a home in Ogden or St. Louis?

The price-to-income ratio in Ogden is 6.1× ($380K home, $62K income) vs 4.3× in St. Louis. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. St. Louis is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.

How much does childcare cost in Ogden vs St. Louis?

Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,209/month in Ogden and $1,131/month in St. Louis. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.

Which city has lower taxes for families?

Ogden has a 4.7% state income tax rate vs St. Louis's 4.7% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $0+/month in take-home.

Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026

See full side-by-side comparison

All cost categories including groceries, utilities, and leisure.

Full comparison