Moving from Montgomery to St. Louis (2026)

St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 7% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$231 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
81 โ†’ 87
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,050 โ†’ $1,300
per month
State tax
5% โ†’ 4.7%
income tax
COL difference
81 โ†’ 87
7% more expensive

Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Montgomery lifestyle

Based on the 7% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in MontgomeryEquivalent in St. Louis
$40K$42,963
$50K$53,704
$60K$64,444
$75K$80,556
$80K$85,926
$100K$107,407
$120K$128,889
$150K$161,111

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$297/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Montgomery vs St. Louis

ExpenseMontgomerySt. Louis
Monthly take-home$4,428$4,447
1BR rent$1,050$1,300
Groceries$353$369
Transport$38$75
Utilities$170$162
Internet$58$60
Left after essentials$2,759$2,481

Frequently asked questions

Is St. Louis cheaper than Montgomery?

No. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 81 for Montgomery (100 = US average). That's about 7% more expensive.

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

On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Louis run about $231/month more than Montgomery. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Montgomery, you'd need roughly $80,556/year in St. Louis. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only