Austin vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $47,352 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $47,352 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 32%.

Income
Housing

Austin

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
St. Louis represents one of the strongest value propositions among major metros — the lowest housing costs of the 35 metros, free museum access in Forest Park, and a revitalizing arts and restaurant scene.
Walk Score
42
 
66
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs St. Louis
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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Austin profile St. Louis profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Austin vs St. Louis — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or St. Louis?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $47,352 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 32% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and St. Louis?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.