St. Louis vs Tampa

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in St. Louis feels like approximately $112,358 in Tampa.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in St. Louis feels like $112,358 in Tampa. Moving would increase your purchasing power by 61%.

Income
Housing

St. Louis

Tampa

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
low
 
low
1BR Rent
$995/mo
 
$1,696/mo
State Tax
MO tax applies
 
No income tax
Take-Home /mo
$4,523
 
$4,803
Remote Work Fit
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.
 
Tampa is a strong remote work market with no state income tax, improving cultural amenities, and Gulf Coast access.
Walk Score
66
 
50
Spacious
$60-80k · St. Louis vs Tampa
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,523/mo take-home

At $60-80k in St. Louis, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.

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

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FAQ

St. Louis vs Tampa — FAQ

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

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $995/mo in St. Louis and $1,696/mo in Tampa. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Tampa to match St. Louis?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in St. Louis feels like approximately $112,358 in Tampa — a gain of about 61% in purchasing power.

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

St. Louis is in MO (MO levies income tax) and Tampa is in FL (no state 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.