St. Louis vs Tacoma for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in St. Louis, MO vs Tacoma, WA.
- 2BR rent: $1,700/mo in St. Louis vs $2,600/mo — 35% difference
- More affordable homeownership in St. Louis: $230K median vs $500K
- Higher median household income in Tacoma: $72K/yr vs $54K
- Tacoma has no state income tax — more take-home for family expenses
Family cost comparison
| Metric | St. Louis Missouri | Tacoma Washington |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $1,700Better | $2,600 |
| Median home price | $230KBetter | $500K |
| Median household income | $54K | $72KBetter |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,131Better | $1,482 |
| State income tax | 4.7% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.6%Better | 10.1% |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — St. Louis or Tacoma?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Tacoma 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 St. Louis vs Tacoma?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,700/month in St. Louis and $2,600/month in Tacoma. St. Louis is 35% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in St. Louis or Tacoma?
The price-to-income ratio in St. Louis is 4.3× ($230K home, $54K income) vs 6.9× in Tacoma. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. St. Louis is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in St. Louis vs Tacoma?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,131/month in St. Louis and $1,482/month in Tacoma. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
St. Louis has a 4.7% state income tax rate vs Tacoma (Washington) has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $282+/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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