Las Vegas vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Las Vegas feels like approximately $50,043 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Las Vegas feels like $50,043 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 29%.

Income
Housing

Las Vegas

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,478/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Las Vegas is an emerging remote work market. Nevada's no-income-tax status, moderate housing costs, and proximity to outdoor destinations (Red Rock, Zion, Grand Canyon) create a financially compelling package for remote workers earning above local wage scales.
 
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 · Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

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

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Las Vegas profile St. Louis profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Las Vegas vs St. Louis — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Las Vegas or St. Louis?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,478/mo in Las Vegas 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 Las Vegas?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Las Vegas feels like approximately $50,043 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 29% in purchasing power.

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

Las Vegas is in NV (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.