Median rent is 41% lower in St. Louis ($997/mo vs $1,701/mo). Buying is cheaper in St. Louis, where the median home runs $197,500 versus $420,400. Households earn more in Tampa ($75,475 vs $56,160 a year). Taken together, St. Louis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 95.0 against 102.5 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Tampa, FL.
Cost of living verdict
St. Louis is 7% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 95.0 in St. Louis vs 102.5 in Tampa (US national average = 100)
City A
St. Louis, MO
City B
Tampa, FL
How much would you need to earn in Tampa, FL to maintain your standard of living from St. Louis, MO?
Equivalent salary in Tampa, FL
$80,923
You'd need $5,923 more (8% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
St. Louis
Missouri
Tampa
Florida
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in St. Louis — median rent of $997/mo versus $1,701/mo in Tampa, a 41% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Tampa: the median home is $420,400 versus $197,500 in St. Louis — 53% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
St. Louis
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Tampa
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
St. Louis has cleaner air on average: 33.0 AQI (Good) compared to 64.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick St. Louis if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 95.0 vs 102.5).
Pick Tampa if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,475/yr).
Pick St. Louis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($997/mo median).
Pick St. Louis if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 33.0).
Is St. Louis cheaper than Tampa?
St. Louis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 95.0 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in St. Louis.
How much is rent in St. Louis vs Tampa?
Median rent is $997/mo in St. Louis, MO and $1,701/mo in Tampa, FL. St. Louis, MO has the lower rent by about 41%.
Which has higher salaries — St. Louis or Tampa?
Median household income is $56,160 in St. Louis, MO and $75,475 in Tampa, FL. Tampa, FL 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?
St. Louis, MO has better air quality on average: 33.0 AQI versus 64.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — St. Louis or Tampa?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Tampa to match my St. Louis income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in St. Louis, MO is equivalent to roughly $107,897 in Tampa, FL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
