Boston vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $26,606 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Boston feels like $26,606 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 62%.

Income
Housing

Boston

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
high
 
low
1BR Rent
$2,476/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
MA tax applies
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,278
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Boston's dense transit makes car-free remote work viable. Remote workers should weigh housing costs carefully — the metro's premium reflects in-person employment demand more than remote worker value.
 
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
83
 
66
Getting By
$60-80k · Boston vs St. Louis
Income Reality Check

Your details stay on your device. Sharing generates an image only.

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

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,278/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Boston, your picture shifts from getting-by toward getting-by.

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

Related comparisons

Boston vs New York CityBoston vs PhiladelphiaBoston vs Washington, DC
Boston profile St. Louis profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Boston vs St. Louis — FAQ

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

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,476/mo in Boston 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 Boston?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Boston feels like approximately $26,606 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 62% in purchasing power.

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

Boston is in MA (MA 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.

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