Provo vs St. Louis for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Provo, UT vs St. Louis, MO.
- 2BR rent: $1,700/mo in St. Louis vs $1,850/mo — 8% difference
- More affordable homeownership in St. Louis: $230K median vs $480K
- Higher median household income in Provo: $70K/yr vs $54K
Family cost comparison
| Metric | Provo Utah | St. Louis Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $1,850 | $1,700Better |
| Median home price | $480K | $230KBetter |
| Median household income | $70KBetter | $54K |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,287 | $1,131Better |
| State income tax | 4.7%Better | 4.7% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.2%Better | 8.6% |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Provo or St. Louis?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, St. Louis scores slightly better for families overall. St. Louis 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 Provo vs St. Louis?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,850/month in Provo and $1,700/month in St. Louis. St. Louis is 8% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Provo or St. Louis?
The price-to-income ratio in Provo is 6.9× ($480K home, $70K 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 Provo vs St. Louis?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,287/month in Provo 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?
Provo 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
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