Orlando vs St. Louis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Orlando feels like approximately $42,729 in St. Louis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Orlando feels like $42,729 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 39%.

Income
Housing

Orlando

St. Louis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,731/mo
 
$995/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
MO tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,523
Remote Work Fit
Orlando's lower base wages mean remote workers earning above local-market rates see meaningful purchasing power advantages.
 
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
41
 
66
Comfortable
$60-80k · Orlando 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 Orlando, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

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

Related comparisons

Orlando vs TampaOrlando vs MiamiOrlando vs Jacksonville
Orlando profile St. Louis profile Run Reality Check →
FAQ

Orlando vs St. Louis — FAQ

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

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,731/mo in Orlando 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 Orlando?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Orlando feels like approximately $42,729 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 39% in purchasing power.

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

Orlando 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.