Dallas vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Dallas feels like approximately $44,881 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Dallas feels like $44,881 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 36%.

Income
Housing

Dallas

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,648/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Dallas is a strong remote work market, combining no state income tax, broad housing options, and a warm climate. Car dependence means transportation costs should factor into the overall picture.
 
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
46
 
66
Comfortable
$60-80k · Dallas 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 Dallas, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

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

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FAQ

Dallas vs St. Louis — FAQ

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

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,648/mo in Dallas 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 Dallas?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Dallas feels like approximately $44,881 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 36% in purchasing power.

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

Dallas 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.