Houston vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Houston feels like approximately $55,906 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Houston feels like $55,906 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 20%.
Houston
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Houston, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.
No city is objectively better. Houston and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Houston vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Houston or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,323/mo in Houston 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 Houston?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Houston feels like approximately $55,906 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 20% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Houston and St. Louis?
Houston 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.