Chicago vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $43,998 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Chicago feels like $43,998 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 37%.
Chicago
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Chicago, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
No city is objectively better. Chicago and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Chicago vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Chicago or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,581/mo in Chicago 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 Chicago?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Chicago feels like approximately $43,998 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 37% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Chicago and St. Louis?
Chicago is in IL (IL 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.