Raleigh vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Raleigh feels like approximately $43,978 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Raleigh feels like $43,978 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 37%.
Raleigh
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Raleigh, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Raleigh and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Raleigh vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Raleigh or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,596/mo in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Raleigh feels like approximately $43,978 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 37% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Raleigh and St. Louis?
Raleigh is in NC (NC 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.