St. Louis vs West Palm Beach for Families (2026)
A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in St. Louis, MO vs West Palm Beach, FL.
- 2BR rent: $1,700/mo in St. Louis vs $3,200/mo — 47% difference
- More affordable homeownership in St. Louis: $230K median vs $500K
- Higher median household income in West Palm Beach: $63K/yr vs $54K
- West Palm Beach has no state income tax — more take-home for family expenses
Family cost comparison
| Metric | St. Louis Missouri | West Palm Beach Florida |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR rent/month | $1,700Better | $3,200 |
| Median home price | $230KBetter | $500K |
| Median household income | $54K | $63KBetter |
| Est. childcare/month | $1,131Better | $1,521 |
| State income tax | 4.7% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.6% | 7%Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — St. Louis or West Palm Beach?
Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,700/month in St. Louis and $3,200/month in West Palm Beach. St. Louis is 47% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in St. Louis or West Palm Beach?
The price-to-income ratio in St. Louis is 4.3× ($230K home, $54K income) vs 7.9× in West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach?
Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,131/month in St. Louis and $1,521/month in West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach (Florida) 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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