Moving from New York to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). You'd pay about 53% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your New York lifestyle
Based on the 53% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in New York | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $18,610 |
| $50K | $23,262 |
| $60K | $27,914 |
| $75K | $34,893 |
| $80K | $37,219 |
| $100K | $46,524 |
| $120K | $55,829 |
| $150K | $69,786 |
Monthly budget at $75K — New York vs St. Louis
| Expense | New York | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,309 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $3,500 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $437 | $369 |
| Transport | $132 | $75 |
| Utilities | $180 | $162 |
| Internet | $75 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $-15 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than New York?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 187 for New York (100 = US average). That's about 53% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from New York to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from New York to St. Louis could save roughly $2,358/month on core expenses. That's ~$28,296/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my New York lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in New York, you'd need roughly $34,893/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