Moving from Boulder to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,364 |
| $50K | $32,955 |
| $60K | $39,545 |
| $75K | $49,432 |
| $80K | $52,727 |
| $100K | $65,909 |
| $120K | $79,091 |
| $150K | $98,864 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs St. Louis
| Expense | Boulder | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $414 | $369 |
| Transport | $80 | $75 |
| Utilities | $138 | $162 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to St. Louis could save roughly $1,034/month on core expenses. That's ~$12,408/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $49,432/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