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.
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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 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
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 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $2,358 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in New York — that's the real price of a city.
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 saves roughly $2,338/month on core expenses. That's ~$28,056/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.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only