Median rent is 25% lower in St. Louis ($978/mo vs $1,311/mo). Buying is cheaper in St. Louis, where the median home runs $185,100 versus $352,900. Households earn more in Albany ($73,809 vs $55,279 a year). Taken together, St. Louis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.6 against 96.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Albany, OR.
City A
Albany, OR
City B
St. Louis, MO
How much would you need to earn in St. Louis, MO to maintain your standard of living from Albany, OR?
Equivalent salary in St. Louis, MO
$74,977
You could earn $23 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albany
Oregon
St. Louis
Missouri
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in St. Louis — median rent of $978/mo versus $1,311/mo in Albany, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Albany: the median home is $352,900 versus $185,100 in St. Louis — 48% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% versus 4.80% in Missouri, so St. Louis is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 4.22% in Missouri; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
St. Louis
Income tax: 4.80%
Sales tax: 4.22%
Air quality data is available for St. Louis (avg AQI 26.0) but not yet for Albany.
Pick Albany if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,809/yr).
Pick St. Louis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($978/mo median).
Pick St. Louis if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.80%).
Is Albany cheaper than St. Louis?
St. Louis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 96.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in St. Louis.
How much is rent in Albany vs St. Louis?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Albany, OR and $978/mo in St. Louis, MO. St. Louis, MO has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or St. Louis?
Median household income is $73,809 in Albany, OR and $55,279 in St. Louis, MO. Albany, OR has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or St. Louis?
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% and Missouri's is 4.80%. St. Louis, MO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, OR is equivalent to roughly $99,970 in St. Louis, MO (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology