Moving from Seattle to St. Louis (2026)
St. Louis has a COL index of 87 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). You'd pay about 42% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in St. Louis to match your Seattle lifestyle
Based on the 42% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Seattle | Equivalent in St. Louis |
|---|---|
| $40K | $23,200 |
| $50K | $29,000 |
| $60K | $34,800 |
| $75K | $43,500 |
| $80K | $46,400 |
| $100K | $58,000 |
| $120K | $69,600 |
| $150K | $87,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Seattle vs St. Louis
| Expense | Seattle | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $410 | $369 |
| Transport | $100 | $75 |
| Utilities | $120 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,646 | $2,481 |
Frequently asked questions
Is St. Louis cheaper than Seattle?
Yes. St. Louis has a cost of living index of 87 vs 150 for Seattle (100 = US average). That's about 42% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Seattle to St. Louis?
On a $75K salary, moving from Seattle to St. Louis could save roughly $1,129/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,548/year.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Seattle lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Seattle, you'd need roughly $43,500/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