Phoenix vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Phoenix feels like approximately $45,305 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Phoenix feels like $45,305 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 35%.
Phoenix
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Phoenix, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Phoenix and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Phoenix vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Phoenix or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,583/mo in Phoenix 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 Phoenix?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Phoenix feels like approximately $45,305 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 35% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Phoenix and St. Louis?
Phoenix is in AZ (AZ levies 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.