Moving from Portland to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Portland lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Portland | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,840 |
| $50K | $34,800 |
| $60K | $41,760 |
| $75K | $52,200 |
| $80K | $55,680 |
| $100K | $69,600 |
| $120K | $83,520 |
| $150K | $104,400 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Portland vs St. Louis
| Expense | Portland | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,122 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $407 | $369 |
| Transport | $100 | $75 |
| Utilities | $130 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,520 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Portland?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 125 for Portland (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Portland to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Portland to St. Louis could save roughly $636/month on core expenses. That's ~$7,632/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Portland lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Portland, you'd need roughly $52,200/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