Baltimore vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Baltimore feels like approximately $45,084 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Baltimore feels like $45,084 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 36%.
Baltimore
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Baltimore, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Baltimore and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Baltimore vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Baltimore or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,511/mo in Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Baltimore feels like approximately $45,084 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 36% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Baltimore and St. Louis?
Baltimore is in MD (MD levies 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.