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.
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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 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
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 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $636 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Portland — that's the real price of a city.
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 saves roughly $925/month on core expenses. That's ~$11,100/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.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only