Moving from Philadelphia to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). You'd pay about 19% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Philadelphia lifestyle
Based on the 19% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Philadelphia | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $32,523 |
| $50K | $40,654 |
| $60K | $48,785 |
| $75K | $60,981 |
| $80K | $65,047 |
| $100K | $81,308 |
| $120K | $97,570 |
| $150K | $121,963 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Philadelphia vs St. Louis
| Expense | Philadelphia | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,547 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $391 | $369 |
| Transport | $96 | $75 |
| Utilities | $160 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,835 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Philadelphia?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 107 for Philadelphia (100 = US average). That's about 19% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Philadelphia to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Philadelphia to St. Louis could save roughly $746/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,952/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Philadelphia lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Philadelphia, you'd need roughly $60,981/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