Seattle vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Seattle feels like approximately $34,466 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Seattle feels like $34,466 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 51%.
Seattle
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Seattle, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Seattle and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Seattle vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Seattle or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $2,146/mo in Seattle 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 Seattle?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Seattle feels like approximately $34,466 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 51% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Seattle and St. Louis?
Seattle is in WA (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.