Moving from Rapid City to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 88 for Rapid City (100 = US average). You'd pay about 1% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Rapid City lifestyle
Based on the 1% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Rapid City | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $39,545 |
| $50K | $49,432 |
| $60K | $59,318 |
| $75K | $74,148 |
| $80K | $79,091 |
| $100K | $98,864 |
| $120K | $118,636 |
| $150K | $148,295 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Rapid City vs St. Louis
| Expense | Rapid City | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $365 | $369 |
| Transport | $40 | $75 |
| Utilities | $148 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,923 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Rapid City?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 88 for Rapid City (100 = US average). That's about 1% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Rapid City to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in St. Louis run about $148/month more than Rapid City. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Rapid City lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Rapid City, you'd need roughly $74,148/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