Moving from Louisville to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 88 for Louisville (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Louisville lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Louisville | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,545 |
| $50K | $49,432 |
| $60K | $59,318 |
| $75K | $74,148 |
| $80K | $79,091 |
| $100K | $98,864 |
| $120K | $118,636 |
| $150K | $148,295 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Louisville vs St. Louis
| Expense | Louisville | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,491 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $361 | $369 |
| Transport | $60 | $75 |
| Utilities | $162 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,548 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Louisville?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 88 for Louisville (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Louisville to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Louis run about $23/month more than Louisville. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Louisville lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Louisville, you'd need roughly $74,148/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