Nashville vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Nashville feels like approximately $46,872 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Nashville feels like $46,872 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 33%.

Income
Housing

Nashville

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,578/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Nashville has become a top remote work destination, combining no state income tax, vibrant social scene, and moderate housing costs.
 
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
29
 
66
Comfortable
$60-80k · Nashville 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 Nashville, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

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

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FAQ

Nashville vs St. Louis — FAQ

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

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,578/mo in Nashville 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 Nashville?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Nashville feels like approximately $46,872 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 33% in purchasing power.

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

Nashville is in TN (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.