Moving from Ann Arbor to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). You'd pay about 17% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Ann Arbor lifestyle
Based on the 17% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Ann Arbor | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,143 |
| $50K | $41,429 |
| $60K | $49,714 |
| $75K | $62,143 |
| $80K | $66,286 |
| $100K | $82,857 |
| $120K | $99,429 |
| $150K | $124,286 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Ann Arbor vs St. Louis
| Expense | Ann Arbor | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,484 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $384 | $369 |
| Transport | $65 | $75 |
| Utilities | $162 | $162 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,060 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Ann Arbor?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 105 for Ann Arbor (100 = US average). That's about 17% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Ann Arbor to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Ann Arbor to St. Louis could save roughly $458/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,496/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Ann Arbor lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Ann Arbor, you'd need roughly $62,143/year in St. Louis. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only