salarySt. Louis is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in St. Louis to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$1,297
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,264
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$60,569
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$197,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
95.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$2,033
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$117
👥 People living there
2,711,226
288,512
Commute to work
33.1 min
22.1 min
College degree
44.3%
41.1%
Own their home
46%
45.3%
Below poverty line
16.8%
20.6%
Unemployment
8%
5%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick St. Louis for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $73,240 | -32% in St. Louis |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $77,000 | -26% in St. Louis |
| Electrician | $102,350 | $77,170 | -25% in St. Louis |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $60,650 | -23% in St. Louis |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $63,000 | -19% in St. Louis |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $83,180 | -17% in St. Louis |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $68,970 | -17% in St. Louis |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,940 | $39,110 | -17% in St. Louis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
St. Louis is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,297 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $55,073 a year gives the same standard of living in St. Louis.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or St. Louis?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $60,569 in St. Louis, 39% more in Chicago.