Moving from Chattanooga to St. Louis (2026)

St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 86 for Chattanooga (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$91 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline

Key differences

COL index
8687
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,250$1,300
per month
State tax
None4.7%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,447
per month

Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Chattanooga lifestyle

Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in ChattanoogaEquivalent in St. Louis
$40K$40,465
$50K$50,581
$60K$60,698
$75K$75,872
$80K$80,930
$100K$101,163
$120K$121,395
$150K$151,744

Monthly budget at $75K — Chattanooga vs St. Louis

ExpenseChattanoogaSt. Louis
Monthly take-home$4,741$4,447
1BR rent$1,250$1,300
Groceries$357$369
Transport$45$75
Utilities$165$162
Internet$58$60
Left after essentials$2,866$2,481

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Louis cheaper than Chattanooga?

No. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 86 for Chattanooga (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Chattanooga to St. Louis?

On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Louis run about $91/month more than Chattanooga. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.

What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Chattanooga lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Chattanooga, you'd need roughly $75,872/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