Miami vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Miami feels like approximately $37,075 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Miami feels like $37,075 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 47%.

Income
Housing

Miami

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
high
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,995/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Miami attracts remote workers maintaining higher-market salaries with Florida's no-income-tax advantage. The wage-to-housing gap makes it less suitable for those earning local Miami 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
77
 
66
Getting By
$60-80k · Miami 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
~$4,803/mo take-home

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

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

Related comparisons

Miami vs TampaMiami vs OrlandoMiami vs Atlanta
Miami profile St. Louis profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Miami vs St. Louis — FAQ

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

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,995/mo in Miami 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 Miami?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Miami feels like approximately $37,075 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 47% in purchasing power.

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

Miami is in FL (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.